ADULT

SABBATH SCHOOL

LESSONS

STANDARD EDITION

Biblical Models of Soul Winning

JAN FEB MAR 1994

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Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 194/January-March 1994.

Editorial Office

12501 Old Columbia Pike

Silver Spring, MD 20904

Principal Contributor

Maurice T. Bascom

Editor

Erwin R. Gane

Associate Editor

Lyndelle Chiomenti

Assistant Editor

Charlotte Ishkanian

Art and Design

Lars Justinen

What Did Jesus Teach

About Mission?

Who Are Christ's Disciples?

Who Is the Source of the Power?

How Did Jesus Win Souls?

What Is Friendship Evangelism?

What Is the Most Important Decision?

Pacific Press Coordinator

Jerry D. Thomas

The Adult Sabbath School

Lessons are prepared by the

Department of Church Ministries

of the General Conference of

Seventh-day Adventists. The

preparation of the lessons is

under the general direction of a

worldwide Sabbath School

Lesson Committee, the members

of which serve as consulting

editors. The published lesson

quarterly reflects the input of the

committee and thus does not

solely or necessarily represent the

intent of the authors.

How Do We Teach as Jesus Did?

How Does Jesus Want

People to Live?

In What Ways Does Christ

Baptize Us?

What Is the Value of Fellowship?

How Can Every Member Be

Active for Christ?

How Did Christians Witness

Through the Ages?

What Is Christ's Last Message

to the World?

Contents

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622I DA XL

12/94 91699-76 L

052 idP

Meet the Principal Contributor

to This Quarter's Lessons

Dr. Maurice Bascom is director of International Teacher

Service at the General Conference. He recruits, trains, and places

teachers in overseas institutions, primarily in China.

Elder Bascom began his ministry in California, where he was

ordained in 1962. With his family, he spent 18 years in the Far

East as evangelist and lay-activities director. He specialized in

training layworkers for evangelism. Under his direction English

Language Schools began in 1966 in Osaka, Japan, and spread

throughout the Far Eastern Division. He was called to the Gen-

eral Conference in 1982.

Dr. Bascom earned an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of

Nebraska and did a year of postgraduate work at the University

of Chicago.

Dr. Bascom and his wife, Dottie, registrar at Home Study

International, have two married daughters, Maurine, a CPA,

and Cynthia, a nurse.

Check with your local Adventist Book

Center for the companion book to the

Sabbath School lessons.

So Send I You

Principles of Soul-Winning

The great controversy between Christ and Satan began when

Satan accused the Creator of the universe before His subjects

of being unjust and unfair. The great arch-rebel, Lucifer, has

repeated these accusations throughout history, because he sees

in them his best hope of persuading others to join him in

rebellion against God.

In order for God to disprove these charges against His char-

acter, it is necessary that all His actions in relation to His

subjects be so obviously just that no one will be able to find

anything in them that might sustain Satan's accusations. Be-

cause of His perfectly loving character, God will never bring

judgment upon the earth without giving earth's inhabitants

fair and sufficient warning in advance. For this reason Noah

preached a warning message for 120 years before the Flood

came upon his generation. A host of prophets warned Israel

for many years before the Babylonian captivity. John the Bap-

tist, Jesus, and the apostles brought the gospel and the last

warning message to the Jewish nation before it was finally

judged and rejected as the chosen people of God.

Today the world is moving rapidly toward the greatest of all

God's judgments, which will bring the terrible history of sin to

its close. In order for the character of God to be vindicated and

all humanity invited to serve Him, a clear message of salvation

and warning must be given to all the world before its probation

is irrevocably ended. We find just that warning message pro-

phetically described in the testimonies of the three angels of

Revelation 14:6-12. Here is the "everlasting gospel" in the con-

text of the judgment and Sabbath messages; a call to repentance

and godly living, and a call to fellowship with the Creator.

We recognize that in order for this tremendously important

message to be given to the world, there must be messengers.

Who are they? Even though many Christian groups are pre-

senting some aspects of the everlasting gospel, Seventh-day

Adventists are committed to proclaiming every feature of that

gospel as clarified in Scripture. Christ is calling His people to

share His saving love with every nation, kindred, tongue, and

people, inviting them to demonstrate living faith in Jesus Christ

by uniting upon the platform of allegiance to all His com-

mandments.

Lesson 1



December 26-January 1

What Did Jesus Teach

About Mission?

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: John 4:34-38; Luke 15:1-

24.

MEMORY TEXT: "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be

unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you"

(John 20:21).

KEY THOUGHT: God has commissioned human beings to

share the good news of His saving love.

WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO COOPERATE WITH JESUS in

His mission of mercy to the world! In Old Testament times,

God chose Noah, Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, and

many other humble, dedicated people to give His messages of

salvation and warning. In New Testament times, Christ chose

fishermen, tax collectors, widows, and even people of ques-

tionable reputation, including some who had been violent per-

secutors. Having experienced His saving power, they all be-

came His special ambassadors.

Today Christ is calling men and women from all walks of

life to join Him in the greatest challenge ever committed to

humankind—the work of spreading the exciting news that, by

accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, all may enjoy

eternal life with Him.

"Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will

show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with

God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the

Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows

forth the tide of spiritual life."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 13.

Sunday



December 26

THE TIME FOR REAPING HAS COME (John 4:31-38).

How did Jesus explain to His disciples that they should be

ready at all times to cooperate with God in gathering a great

harvest of souls? John 4:31-38.

Jesus had just concluded His interview with the woman of

Samaria. The disciples arrived back from the town with food

and offered some to Jesus. But He was no longer hungry or

thirsty. He responded, "I have food to eat that you know

nothing about" (John 4:32, NIV). The divine work of leading a

soul to salvation was food enough for Jesus!

Then Jesus looked at the nearby fields of grain that in four

months laborers would harvest. He said, "Do you not say,

'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your

eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" (John

4:35, NIV). As the Samaritans were coming out of the town to

receive Him, Jesus pointed out the readiness of people every-

where to respond to His invitation. The Holy Spirit is much

more operative in human lives than we recognize. He has been

sowing seeds of truth in hearts all over the world. Multitudes

are ready for the Lord to gather them into the kingdom of

grace. If only we would believe Jesus' evaluation of the situa-

tion, we would respond by cooperating with Him in reaping

the harvest.

What should be our reaction to the spiritual need of the

multitudes around us? Matt. 9:35-38; Luke 10:1-3.

Jesus could not hide His love for people. When He saw the

crowds that flocked to Him, His heart overflowed with con-

cern. How could they be shepherded? Who was available to

show them the way to God? "'The harvest is plentiful,'" Jesus

said, "'but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,

therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field'" (Matt.

9:37, 38, NIV).

It is impossible to pray that God will select and commission

workers to gather in the harvest of souls without our becom-

ing personally convicted of our own responsibility. As we

pray, we need to ask, "Could I be one of the soul-winners

Jesus has in mind? Or perhaps I have means or talents that will

facilitate the sending of laborers into the harvest field."

Monday



December 27

COMPASSION FOR OTHERS (Luke 15:1-24).

How did Jesus illustrate the various means He uses in

leading people to respond to His love? Luke 15:1-24.

The lost sheep knows it is lost, but cannot release itself from

the brambles and vines in which it has become entangled. But

with an aching heart, Jesus goes out into the darkness of this

sinful world seeking that lost one (Luke 15:3, 4). And when He

finds it, He tenderly carries it back to the safety of the sheepfold.

Does our love for unsaved people inspire us to join Jesus in His

search?

The coin is an inert piece of money with no awareness that it

is lost (Luke 15:8). So millions are totally absorbed in the secu-

lar world with no awareness of their need. Jesus searches long-

ingly for them, and when He finds them, He invites the angels

of heaven to rejoice with Him. Are we searching with Him for

these precious lost ones?

The lost son knew that he was lost and was able to respond

to Christ's conviction that he should return home. "He came to

his senses" (Luke 15:17, NIV), decided to go home (verse 18),

and acted on his decision (verse 20). Are we moved with com-

passion to join the Father in meeting the returning sinner a

long way off (verse 20)?

What kinds of danger are Christ's true followers willing

to risk when filled with compassion for the lost? Matt. 10:16-

20.

Arrest, beating, trial, and imprisonment are only part of the

ordeal Jesus' followers have been asked to endure. They may

have to face family disunity and disloyalty (Matt. 10:21, 34-36).

They may be confronted by the hatred of those who reject their

message (verse 21), and even by attempts to take their lives

(verses 28-30). But as they witness to others, there is always the

comforting assurance of Jesus' protecting presence (verses 29-

31), His merciful intercession for them in heaven (verse 32),

and His ultimate gift of eternal salvation (verse 22).

"So send I you—My strength to

know in weakness,

My joy in grief, My perfect peace in pain."

—SDA Hymnal,

No. 578

Tuesday



December 28

PERSONAL MINISTRY (Matt. 25:31-46).

For what kinds of ministry to others will Jesus finally

commend those whom He takes to His kingdom? Matt.

25:34-36. Why do you think the saved will not be aware that

they have done anything worthy of commendation? Matt.

25:37-40.

Salvation is not by works; it is by Christ's grace alone (Eph.

2:8, 9). But to experience salvation by grace is inevitably to be

motivated by an earnest longing to see others enjoying the

same blessing. (See Eph. 2:10.) Supplying the material needs of

the hungry and thirsty, sheltering the homeless, clothing the

poor, caring for the sick, and ministering to those in prison

(Matt. 25:35, 36) are practical ways in which we unconsciously

give evidence of the saving effectiveness of Christ's grace in

our hearts. Jesus did not teach that relieving material needs

and social ills is the sum total of our outreach for others. Our

practical ministry enables us to "preach good news to the poor

. . . to proclaim freedom for the prisoners . . . to release the

oppressed" (Luke 4:18, NIV). The path to the heart of those

being crushed by life's burdens is carved by loving ministry.

What does emulating the good Samaritan have to do with

winning souls to Christ? What is the relationship between

performing kind deeds and the task of proclaiming the

Second Advent message? Luke 10:29-37.

Jesus was illustrating the command of Leviticus 19:18: "Love

your neighbor as yourself" (NIV). If you were attacked, robbed,

and left half-dead, wouldn't you respond positively to the one

who risked his life, ignoring the prejudices of his race against

yours and ministering unselfishly to your need? When you

were well again, wouldn't you visit him and pour out your

thanks for his saving your life? Wouldn't you want to know

something of his motivation? Wouldn't you ask about his reli-

gious convictions, seek an understanding of his God, and, with

deep gratitude, endeavor to emulate his love and compassion?

How would Jesus minister today? through hospital work?

education? street evangelism? foster homes? day-care cen-

ters? Who are those in need today?

Wednesday



December 29

SHARE THE GOOD NEWS (Matt. 24:14).

What is the good news that the whole world must hear

before Jesus will return? Matt. 24:14; 28:18-20; John 3:16, 17;

Rev. 14:6.

Jesus' commission to spread the good news of salvation

made possible by the cross is for every member of the church,

not only for preachers.

"Why is it that many more do not respond to the call [to

work in the Lord's vineyard]? Is it because they think them-

selves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them

understand that there is a large work to be done outside the

pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.

"Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take pos-

session of the whole church so that everyone shall be working

for Him according to his ability. When the members of the

church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at

home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the

whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will

return to this earth with power and great glory."—The

Acts of

the Apostles,

p. 111. (See

Testimonies, vol.

7, p. 16.)

Although Christ is drawing everyone to Himself (John

12:32), what kinds of response can we expect from people as

we present the gospel? Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23. Note Jesus' inter-

pretation of the parable:

PLACE



INTERPRETATION

Verse 4 "along the path" Verse 19



Verses 5, 6 "rocky places" Verses 20, 21



Verse 7 "among thorns" Verse 22



Verse 8 "good soil" Verse 23



Jesus' parable encourages those who are sharing the good

news of His saving grace. Jesus never taught that the whole

world will respond positively to His love. The parable of the

sower illustrates that only those whose hearts are represented

by the good soil will become subjects of Christ's kingdom.

Thursday



December 30

RECEIVE AND GIVE (John 21:1-23).

What lesson did Jesus illustrate for His disciples after His

resurrection? John 21:1-6, 11.

"Vividly they recalled the scene beside the sea when Jesus

had bidden them follow Him. [See Mark 1:16, 17.] They re-

membered how, at His command, they had launched out into

the deep, and had let down their net, and the catch had been so

abundant as to fill the net, even to breaking. [See Luke 5:4-6.]

Then Jesus had called them to leave their fishing boats, and

had promised to make them fishers of men. It was to bring this

scene to their minds, and to deepen its impression, that He had

again performed the miracle. His act was a renewal of the

commission of the disciples. It showed them that the death of

their Master had not lessened their obligation to do the work

He had assigned them. Though they were to be deprived of

His personal companionship, and of the means of support by

their former employment, the risen Saviour would still have a

care for them. While they were doing His work, He would

provide for their needs. And Jesus had a purpose in bidding

them cast their net on the right side of the ship. On that side He

stood upon the shore. That was the side of faith. If they labored

in connection with Him—His divine power combining with

their human effort—they could not fail of success."—The

De-

sire of Ages,

pp. 810, 811.

Are you able to see the relevance to your life of Jesus'

commission to Peter? Explain. John 21:15-23.

Jesus' call to witness in the command, "Feed my lambs,"

"Feed my sheep," is for every one of us. Like Peter, we have all

been "like sheep going astray" (1 Peter 2:25, NIV). But like

him, we are invited to employ our talents in Christ's saving

mission for a world in sin. Because of Calvary, we can "die to

sins and live for righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24, NIV). We can

take up the cross Christ is laying upon each of us and, con-

sumed by love and compassion, take the gospel to our neigh-

bors.

Are you willing to commit your mind and body, time,

talents, and service to the Lord Jesus Christ? In what ways do

you believe He can use you in His mission to the world?

Friday



December 31

FURTHER STUDY:

Study the major aspects of Jesus' message

for the world given in Luke 17:20-25. Read "Go Teach All

Nations," in

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 818-828.

"All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be

constantly receiving a new endowment of physical and mental

power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their com-

mand. Christ gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of

His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to

work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multi-

plies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature

comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through

cooperation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their

human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipo-

tence."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 827.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How can sharing the gospel with others be combined

with personal ministry for their specific needs?

Why do you think some church members are not inter-

ested in witnessing for Christ?

What would it take for a revival of New Testament

witnessing to begin in your local church? your commu-

nity? your home?

How do we need to rearrange our priorities for time,

work, money, and recreation to be part of a witnessing

revival?

What things hinder such a revival?

Are you willing for this revival to begin with you?

SUMMARY:

Jesus' mission for the world is to involve every

one of His followers. Because the time of reaping has come,

Christ invites us to reach out compassionately to unbelievers

in loving personal ministry. When others know that we care

about them, they will be willing to listen as we share the good

news of salvation through Christ. With Christ's Spirit reigning

in our hearts, we are to present the gospel to the world in

preparation for our Lord's return.

Lesson 2



January 2-8

Who Are Christ's

Disciples?

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CP VI

Sabbath Afternoon



READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Rom. 9:24-

26; 12:3-8; Heb. 8:10-13; Mark 3:31-35.

MEMORY TEXT: "To him who loves us and has freed us

from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests

to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for

ever and ever. Amen" (Revelation 1:5, 6, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

Christ's disciples are all those who dem-

onstrate their faith in Him by doing whatever He asks.

THE MEDIEVAL DISTINCTION BETWEEN CLERGY AND

LAITY

is unbiblical. In Scripture, ministers of the Word are

part of God's

people

(Matt. 1:21; Titus 2:14). Spiritually they are

not separate from or superior to them. During the Middle Ages

the theory developed that priests are a superior spiritual class,

while the laity are the inferior secular class. The lay-person

was to find God through the priest, who could forgive sins,

define doctrine, and interpret the Bible.

The teachings of the sixteenth-century Reformers did much

to break this unbiblical distinction between clergy and laity.

Nevertheless, it has continued in many Protestant churches.

The result is that church members tend to exalt their pastors as

a spiritually privileged class who are primarily responsible for

soul-winning. This lesson presents the Bible answer to this

attitude.

Sunday



January 2

COMPANIONS OF CHRIST (1 Peter 2:5, 9).

Although in Old Testament times the Levites were given

special priestly responsibilities, how did the Lord regard

Israelites in general? Ex. 19:6; Isa. 61:6.

Israelite priests performed a special ministry in the sanctu-

ary (later the temple) as types or examples of the various

aspects of Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. But they

were not a spiritually favored class. They too were sinners in

need of atonement and forgiveness. (See Lev. 4:1-12.) The Lord,

not the priest, forgave sin. (See Lev. 4:31, 35.) The mediatorial

role of Israelite priests was no substitute for direct fellowship

between God and the individual sinner.

Moreover, the Levitical priests were part of "a kingdom of

priests and a holy nation" (Ex. 19:6, RSV). Every Israelite was

to be a priest—a spiritually pure servant of God, committed to

unselfish service within Israel and faithful witness to alien

peoples. (See Isa. 43:10, 12.)

In the New Testament church, every believer has a priestly

function. (See Rev. 1:6; 1 Peter 2:5, 9.)

A priest is humanity's

representative before God, and God's representative before

humanity. A priest shares God's love with others. Whether in

the home, the workplace, or the church, every Christian be-

liever has priestly responsibilities. By His death and heavenly

mediation, Jesus has freed us from our sins (Rev. 1:5). Now He

calls us to be His companions in service. The Father and the

Son live within us by the Holy Spirit (John 14:18, 23). Hence,

we are able to represent Christ and the Father to others. We

are each to be a living part of Christ's spiritual house, the

church.

Ordained clergy are

part

of this spiritual house (Titus 1:1-9;

2:14; 1 Tim. 3:1-12). But they are by no means the whole house.

As the Old Testament priests had a specialized ministry within

the people of God, so do Christian pastors or elders—a some-

what different ministry, but nonetheless specialized. Even so,

their ministry involves facilitating the various roles of other

church members, not superseding them.

In what

practical ways are you able to

fulfill

your

priestly

roles in the home, the workplace, and the

church?

Monday



January 3

WHO ARE GOD'S

PEOPLE?

(Rom. 9:24-26).

Both Old and New Testaments include the clergy among

God's people. There is no distinction between clergy (reli-

gious) and people (secular). Kittel's

Theological Dictionary of the

New Testament

points out that in the New Testament "the Figu-

rative Meaning of

laos

[people] = the Christian Community."

—Vol. IV, p. 54. The Christian community includes both minis-

ters and church members.

Note who were included among God's "people" as the

word is used in the Old Testament:

Ex. 19:4-8



Deut. 7:6-11



Deut. 21:9



Jer. 11:4



God's people were the object of His special concern, not

because they were more worthy than others, but because, as

believers in Him, they were chosen to represent His loving

character to other nations. "My people" throughout the Old

Testament are leaders, priests, and citizens.

Who are God's

people

in the New Testament?

Matt. 1:21



Acts 15:14



Rom. 9:24-26



Rom. 15:9-13



Christ's people are Christian believers in general, including

ordained elders and pastors. (See 2 Cor. 6:16.) Christ "gave

himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for

himself a

people

of his own who are zealous for good deeds"

(Titus 2:14, RSV).

How should the fact that both church members and pastors are

part of

the same "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) influence their

attitudes to one another and to nonbelievers?

Tuesday



January 4

THE SAME COVENANT FOR ALL (Heb. 8:10-13).

What was the heart of the covenant God made with

Abraham? Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:1-11; Gal. 3:6-14.

Abraham entered into the experience of righteousness and

salvation by faith in the Messiah to come. This same covenant

with God was to be the experience of all Abraham's descend-

ants, priests and people alike: "I will establish my covenant

between me and you and your descendants after you through-

out their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to

you and to your descendants after you" (Gen. 17:7, RSV). God

commanded the same covenant "for a thousand generations"

(1 Chron. 16:15-17, RSV).

At Sinai, God

offered

His people the same covenant terms

that He had offered Abraham. (Compare Ex. 19:5, 6 with Gal.

3:15-17.) But they attempted to serve God in their own strength.

The result was spiritual failure and moral disaster. (See Ex.

19:8; 24:3, 7; Exodus 32.) Thus they perverted God's "everlast-

ing covenant." God speaks of the "old covenant" at Sinai, not

because He gave anything faulty, but because His people re-

sponded in a faulty way. (Compare Gal. 4:22-31.)

What are the blessings of the covenant that God wishes to

enter into with His people today? Compare Jer. 31:31-34;

Heb. 8:8-13.

Christ presents all His people with the same terms—right-

eousness and salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. This spiritual

experience is for church members and pastors alike. Clergy

have no more opportunity of salvation than other believers. To

have sins forgiven and God's law written on the heart by the

Holy Spirit is the privilege of every believer in Jesus Christ.

(See also Rom. 10:6-10.)

Spiritual privilege involves spiritual responsibility. Because

believers are to receive from Christ the glory of His presence

in their hearts, they have the privilege of sharing Him with

others. "You receivedwithout paying, give without pay" (Matt.

10:8, RSV).

Have you entered into a covenant relationship with Christ?

By what kind of ministry to others can you share this fellow-

ship?

Wednesday



January 5

ONE BODY—DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS (Rom. 12:3-8).

How does Paul illustrate the different functions of be-

lievers within the Christian church? Rom. 12:3-8.

Notice that Paul's counsel in this passage is addressed to

"every one among you" (Rom. 12:3, RSV). The "one body in

Christ" (verse 5) is the entire church, including every member

with his or her particular talents and spiritual gifts. Whatever

those gifts, they are to contribute to the health of the "body."

God calls every believer to recognize his or her individual

privilege and responsibility as part of Christ's "body."

"It is not the Lord's purpose that ministers should be left to

do the greatest part of the work of sowing the seeds of truth.

Men who are not called to the ministry are to be encouraged to

labor for the Master according to their several ability. Hun-

dreds of men and women now idle could do acceptable serv-

ice. By carrying the truth into the homes of their friends and

neighbors, they could do a great work for the

Master."—Chris-

tian Service,

p. 67.

What is a major responsibility of the ordained ministers

of the church? Eph. 4:11-16.

"The saints" (Eph. 4:12), or believers in Christ, are to be

equipped for the work of ministry by evangelists, pastors, and

teachers. In those parts of the world where this plan has been

most closely followed, church members have become success-

ful soul-winners.

"It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of soulsaving

depends alone upon the ministry. The humble, consecrated

believer upon whom the Master of the vineyard places a bur-

den for souls, is to be given encouragement by the men upon

whom the Lord has laid larger responsibilities. Those who

stand as leaders in the church of God are to realize that the

Saviour's commission is given to all who believe in His name.

God will send forth into His vineyard many who have not

been dedicated to the ministry by the laying on of hands."

—Christian Service,

p. 68.

Do you desire to learn how to win souls? How can you

employ your particular talents in applying the soul-winning

principles taught by evangelists and pastors?

Thursday



January 6

CHRIST'S DISCIPLES ARE HIS FRIENDS (Mark 3:31-35).

Who are claimed by Christ as His relatives? Mark 3:31-35.

Jesus loved His family and gave special attention to His

mother. But on this occasion His concern was to emphasize

that, as God, His relationship with His faithful followers tran-

scends His human relationship with members of His family.

Christ's disciples are closer to His heart than any human rela-

tionship can fully illustrate.

His disciples do His will, but they do not

earn

the close

relationship that Christ described. Because His Spirit fills their

hearts, they are

able

to do His will. In union with Christ is the

power for doing the will of God. True disciples of Christ are

saved by grace that empowers them to do the works that He

asks. (See Eph. 2:8-10.)

What is the basis of Jesus' friendship with His disciples?

John 15:12-17. In this passage, Jesus outlines not only the

basis of His friendship with His disciples, but the work that

He expects His friends to do. Consider how your ministry for

souls will be influenced by Jesus' counsel:

Verse 12 "Love one another"



Verse 13 Willingness to die for others



Verse 14 Willingness to obey Christ's commands



Verse 15 Receiving knowledge from Jesus



Verse 16 The commission to bear fruit



Verse 16 Power in prayer



Note how the great commission Jesus gave after His resur-

rection relates to the message in John 15. He urged the be-

lievers to "make disciples" (Matt. 28:18, 19, RSV). And they

obeyed Him. (See Acts 2:41-47.)

Identify the ways in which you are demonstrating the

characteristics of a true disciple of Christ. In what ways are

you sharing your friend Jesus with others?

Friday



January 7

FURTHER STUDY:

Study the following passages regarding

discipling: Isa. 8:16; John 13:35; 15:8; Acts 6:7; 11:26. Read "A

Division of Labor" in

Gospel Workers,

pp. 196-200.

United work for Christ.

"The world will be convinced, not

by what the pulpit teaches, but by what the church lives. The

ministry in the desk announces the theory of the gospel; the

practical piety of the church demonstrates its power. . . .

"The work of God in this earth can never be finished until

the men and women comprising our church membership rally

to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and

church officers."—Christian

Service,

pp. 67, 68.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Suppose your church had to share a pastor with 25 or

more churches as is common in some parts of the world.

How would you and your fellow church members

conduct the business of the church, including soul-

winning ministry?

How are the truths taught in this lesson

not

a deprecia-

tion of the pastor's role and authority?

How can church members be soul-winners when they

are so busy working for economic survival?

If your church depends too much on the pastor for

spiritual enlightenment and expects him to do most of

the visiting and soul-winning, how can you help to

bring about change? What can you do to inspire your

fellow church members to organize for soul-winning

ministry?

SUMMARY:

The Bible teaches that every Christian be-

liever is a "priest" with the responsibility of living in fellow-

ship with Jesus and sharing Him with others. The laity is not

spiritually inferior to the clergy. The clergy are part of God's

"people" and subject to the same divine commands. Given the

same covenant relationship with Christ and empowered by

the same divine Spirit, all disciples of Christ—pastors and

church members—are to use their various talents to win

others to Him.

Lesson 3



January 9-15

Who Is the Source of

the Power?

• \

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Joel 2:23, 28-32; Acts 2:1-

21, 38, 39; 3:19; Rev. 6:9-11; 14:1-5; 18:1.

MEMORY TEXT: "And after these things I saw another

angel come down from heaven, having great power; and

the earth was lightened with his glory" (Revelation 18:1).

KEY THOUGHT:

The spiritual power of the Holy Spirit

enables us to overcome sin, reflect the character of Jesus, and

witness to others of His saving love.

BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Evangelist D. L.

Moody once held up a glass before an audience and asked,

"How can I get the air out of this glass?" One man suggested,

"Suck it out with a pump." But Moody explained that a vacuum

would be created that would shatter the glass. Various other

unsatisfactory suggestions were offered. Finally Moody filled

the glass with water. "There," he said, "all the air is now

removed." Then he went on to explain that spiritual victory is

not achieved by attempting to suck sin out, but by driving it

out by being filled with the Spirit.

The Bible speaks of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the

hearts of God's people as the power for spiritual victory and

for witnessing to others. The Holy Spirit's presence is as readily

available today as it was on the day of Pentecost. God's final

message to the world will be empowered by an unprecedented

outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon those willing to fulfill the

conditions.

Sunday



January 9

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT'S POWER (Joel 2:23,

28-32).

By what means does the Lord plan to revitalize the waning

spiritual forces of His people? Joel

2:23, 28-32.

In the Middle East the former rain falls in the autumn

(October-November), when the seed is sown. The latter rain

falls in the spring (March-April), ripening the grain for the

harvest. The clause in Joel 2:23 translated by the King James

Version, "He hath given you the former rain moderately,"

may be translated from the Hebrew, "He has given to you the

early rain for righteousness," or "He has given you the

teacher for righteousness."

The Holy Spirit is the teacher who brings righteousness to

our hearts. (Compare Isa. 32:15-17; Rom. 8:9, 10.) If Joel's

contemporaries had been willing to repent, the Lord would

have given them special spiritual and material blessings. The

land would produce again, and there would be plenty of

grain, wine, and oil. (See Joel 2:24-27.)

The last phrase of Joel 2:23 translates, "at the first." Verse

28 begins, "And it will be afterward." The second blessing

would come in the distant future from Joel's day when the

spiritual former and latter rains would be poured out with

unprecedented power. The latter-rain outpouring will come

shortly before the second coming of Jesus. (See verses 30-32.)

Jesus promised that, after His death and resurrection, there

would be a special outpouring of the Spirit upon His faith-

ful, praying people. Note the special blessings the Spirit

brings to the Christian church:

John 14:16-20, 23. His presence is the presence of Christ

and the Father.

John 14:15, 16, 21-24. He is given to those willing to obey

Christ's commandments.

John 15:26; 16:13-15. He represents Christ and teaches His

truth.

John 16:8-11. He convicts of sin, the need for the right-

eousness of Christ, and the coming judgment.

Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8. He provides spiritual power.

What evidence do you have that you have received Christ's

promised gift of the Holy Spirit?

Monday



January 10

THE FORMER RAIN IN HISTORY (Acts 2:1-21).

How did the disciples of Jesus prepare for Pentecost? De-

scribe how the promises of Joel and Jesus were fulfilled for

them. Acts 1:14; 2:1-21.

Jesus' disciples spent the days after His ascension in Bible

study and prayer. They put away their differences and unit-

edly sought the Lord for the power of the Holy Spirit to wit-

ness for Him to all humanity. Their burden was to receive

heaven's qualification for ministry to lost souls.

Note from Scripture and Ellen White's book

The Acts of

the Apostles

the results of Pentecost for Jesus' followers and

those to whom they witnessed:

They had love for one another. Acts 2:44-46; 4:32.

"Every Christian saw in his brother a revelation of divine

love and benevolence. One interest prevailed; one subject of

emulation swallowed up all others. The ambition of the believ-

ers was to reveal the likeness of Christ's character and to labor

for the enlargement of His kingdom."—Page 48.

They proclaimed the gospel with courage and power.

Acts 2:14-42; 4:13, 33. "They [priests and rulers] had thought to

find the apostles cowed with fear under the strong hand of

oppression and murder, but they find them lifted above all

fear and filled with the Spirit, proclaiming with power the

divinity of Jesus of Nazareth."—Page 42.

Thousands were converted. Acts 2:37, 41, 42, 47; 4:4; 5:14;

6:7; 11:21. "The arguments of the apostles alone, though clear

and convincing, would not have removed the prejudice that

had withstood so much evidence. But the Holy Spirit sent the

arguments home to hearts with divine power."—Pages 38, 45.

Spiritual gifts were bestowed. Acts 2:4; 3:6, 7; 6:3-6. "Not

that all the gifts are imparted to each believer. The Spirit di-

vides 'to every man severally as he will.' 1 Cor. 12:11. But the

gifts of the Spirit are promised to every believer according to

his need for the Lord's work."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 823.

Has there been a repetition of Pentecost in your life? your

church? Why? Or, why not?

Tuesday



January 11

THE FORMER RAIN IN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE (John 3:5-8).

What do the following passages teach regarding the work

of the Holy Spirit in our hearts?

John 3:5-8, 20, 21



1 Cor. 6:11



1 Cor. 12:4-7,11



2 Cor. 3:17,18



1 John 5:2-5,18



The work the Holy Spirit accomplishes in the heart of the

repenting sinner is identical to His work for the first disciples

of Jesus. (1) He transforms; (2) He makes holy; (3) He causes

spiritual growth; (4) He gives victory over sin; (5) He imparts

spiritual gifts.

"In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with

God, as it is brought into accord with His law. When this

mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed

from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgres-

sion and rebellion to obedience and loyalty."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

p. 468.

What seal or guarantee is provided by the Holy Spirit for

the person who accepts Christ as Saviour and Lord? Eph.

1:13, 14 (compare 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:21, 22; 5:5).

The seal, stamp, or impression made in the heart by the

Holy Spirit's presence is the "earnest" (KJV) or "guarantee"

(RSV) that the believer has the gift of eternal life. (See John

3:36; 5:24; 1 John 5:11-14.) The word translated "guarantee"

(RSV) means "first installment, deposit, pledge," that which

secures a legal claim to something.

The first seal of the Holy Spirit is equivalent to the former

rain spoken of by Joel and Hosea. (Compare Joel 2:23; Hosea

6:3; 10:12.)

Is the new-birth experience a once-in-a-lifetime experi-

ence, or should it occur daily? (See Col. 2:6; Gal. 5:16, 25;

2 Cor. 4:16.)

Wednesday



January 12

CONDITIONS FOR THE LATTER RAIN (Acts 2:38, 39; 3:19).

"Unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the

green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have

done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfec-

tion."—Testimonies

to Ministers,

p. 506.

Why is turning away from sin so important to the person

who wants to be a disciple of Christ? Acts 2:38, 39; 3:19.

Neither the former nor the latter rain can be experienced by

the person who is cherishing sin. Not only does the Holy Spirit

give us initial deliverance from sin; He is the indwelling power

for habitual victory and spiritual growth. Joel's prophecy of

the ultimate outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain can

be fulfilled only for those who are putting away sin.

"Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God [the end-

time seal] while our characters have one spot or stain upon

them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters,

to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter

rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on

the Day of Pentecost."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 214.

"Those who receive the seal of the living God and are pro-

tected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus

fully. . . . I saw that none could share the 'refreshing' unless

they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, self-

ishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and

action."—Early

Writings,

p. 71. (Compare 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:13;

1 Peter 1:15, 16; Rev. 3:2, 4, 5.)

What other conditions must we fulfill if we are to have the

latter rain? Zech. 10:1; Acts 1:8; 4:32.

Joel's prediction for the church will be fulfilled when we are

willing to engage in a unity of prayer and are willing to allow

Christ's power to witness through us.

"When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the

service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpour-

ing of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while

the largest portion of the church are not laborers together

with

God."—Christian

Service,

p. 253.

Thursday



January 13

THE FINAL SEAL AND THE LATTER RAIN (Rev. 14:1-5; 18:1).

Under what conditions will the Lord come to raise those

who died believing and who have been vindicated in the

pre-Advent judgment? Rev. 6:9-11 (compare Dan. 12:1-3).

The martyrs under the altar are symbolic of all the dead

who are vindicated in the pre-Advent judgment prior to Jesus'

second coming. The altar symbolizes the altar of burnt offering

in the court of the earthly sanctuary, under which the blood of

the sacrifices was poured. (See Lev. 4:7, 18, 25, 30, 34.) The cry

of the dead is answered by their vindication in the pre-Advent

judgment; metaphorically they are given white robes. They are

to rest a "little longer" (Rev. 6:11, RSV) until something vital

happens for their living brethren and sisters.

The Greek of Revelation 6:11 does not contain the word

number,

nor is that word necessary to the meaning of the pas-

sage. The Greek translates simply: "And there was given to

them each a white robe, and it was said to them that they

should rest a little longer,

until their fellow servants and their

brethren who are about to be killed as they were might be made

complete."

While the Spirit reigns in our hearts, we are complete in

Christ (Col. 2:10), but we tend to choose sin to replace Him as

Lord of our lives (Rom. 6:15, 16).

"Are we seeking for His fullness, ever pressing toward the

mark set before us—the perfection of His character? When the

Lord's people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their

foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in

Christ, and the recording angel will declare, 'It is finished."

—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 6, p.

1118.

Note the spiritual condition of those who receive the end-

time seal of God. Rev. 7:1-3; 14:1-5.

By giving us victory over

sin in the former-rain experience, the Holy Spirit prepares us

for the end-time seal of God, involving the outpouring of the

Spirit in latter-rain power. (See

Early Writings,

p. 71.) Those

who have this seal have received from the Holy Spirit the gift

of God's character (Rev. 14:1). "And in their mouth no lie was

found, for they are spotless" (Rev. 14:5, RSV).

What do the end-time seal of God and the latter rain have

to do with the finishing of God's work in the earth? See

Friday's lesson.

Friday



January 14

FURTHER STUDY:

Study Revelation 18:1 in relation to this

lesson. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would "testify" of

Him (John 15:26). The Holy Spirit convicts the

world

"of sin,

and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8, italics sup-

plied). The "angel" of Revelation 18:1 symbolizes the Holy

Spirit, who enlightens the earth with Christ's righteousness.

By living out Christ's life through His people and empowering

them to take heaven's final message to the world, the Spirit

will enlighten the world with Christ's glory.

"The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third

angel's message is to lighten the whole earth with this glory.

. . . The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As

the 'former rain' was given, in the outpouring of the Holy

Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of

the precious seed, so the 'latter rain' will be given at its close

for the ripening of the harvest."—The

Great Controversy,

611.

Note the experience of God's Spirit-filled people

before

the

close of probation, as described in

Early Writings,

pp. 270, 271:

"The company of guardian angels around them had

been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from

their head to their feet."

"They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from

them the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy."

"Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have

no power over them."

"I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the

truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound;

some wives by their husbands, and some children by their

parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the

truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives

was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had

been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and

more precious than life. I asked what had made this great

change. An angel answered, 'It is the latter rain, the refreshing

from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third

angel.'"

SUMMARY:

The former and latter rains symbolize (1) the

outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and (2)

the end-time outpouring of the Spirit before Jesus comes. The

constant infilling of the Spirit in the former rain enables be-

lievers to witness for Christ, and it prepares them to receive

the latter rain as the power to finish God's work in the earth

before the second coming of Jesus.

Lesson 4



January 16-22

How Did Jesus

Win Souls?

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: John 3:1-21; 4:1-42; Luke

8:1, 2; 18:18-30; Matt. 10:7, 8.

MEMORY TEXT:

"Jesus answered him, 'Very truly, I tell

you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born

from above" (John 3:3, NRSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

Jesus' soul-winning ministry was not con-

fined to public preaching. Much of His ministry was devoted

to direct appeals to individuals. The master of the personal

interview, Jesus demonstrated for us how to influence others

to respond to His love.

INTRODUCE OTHERS TO JESUS.

A pastor was having

Bible studies with two young men. Their mother was a church

member, but their father was not. Invited to join the Bible

studies, he refused on the ground that he had too many unan-

swerable questions. When his sons were having their Bible

study, he sat reading the newspaper in the same room. One

evening, the pastor invited the young men to give their hearts

to Jesus and to be baptized. Folding his newspaper, their father

listened quietly as they agreed. Impressed to appeal to the

father also, the pastor said, "How beautiful it would be if you

would be baptized with your sons. I want to invite you to be

baptized." The father responded, "I would like that." His ques-

tions had vanished as he listened week by week and caught a

vision of Jesus. As we cooperate with Jesus, following His

methods, He touches hearts and draws people to Himself.

Sunday



January 16

JESUS APPEALED TO THE HEART (John 3:1-21).

As you study Jesus' interview with Nicodemus, recorded

in John 3:1-21, what three major truths do you find Jesus

emphasized? From this passage analyze Jesus' method of

appealing to an individual heart.

Consider the kind of person with whom Jesus was speaking.

Nicodemus was (1) a Pharisee; (2) a ruler of the Jews, a mem-

ber of the Sanhedrin. Therefore, Jesus could expect that

Nicodemus was convinced that salvation was obtained through

the performance of good works. He could also expect that,

even if Nicodemus were impressed with His teaching and

healing ministry, he would have deep doubts based on Phari-

saic ideas of the Messiah and His work.

Notice that, although Nicodemus' opening statement im-

plied doubt about Jesus' Messiahship, Jesus did not attempt to

argue the point. He went right to the heart of Nicodemus'

spiritual need. Nicodemus needed to be born from above—

transformed by the Holy Spirit. Only by that means could he

experience salvation and enter the kingdom of God. Thrown

off balance, Nicodemus expressed doubt about the possibility

of new birth. But Jesus did not stop to argue. He quietly ex-

plained the invisible, transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

(See verses 6-8.)

Next, Jesus explained why it is possible for the Holy Spirit

to change hearts. The cross makes it possible for any believer

to be born again and to receive the gift of eternal life. (See

verses 13-18.)

Third, Jesus underlined the importance of works "wrought

in God" (verse 21, RSV). The cross makes it possible for be-

lievers to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, resulting in works

acceptable in God's sight.

Four principles for soul-winners emerge from the passage:

(1) Be aware of the person's background; (2) speak directly to

the heart's need; (3) don't become involved in argument; (4)

present the cross and its results for the believer—the gift of the

Holy Spirit and a manner of life approved by God.

Did Jesus succeed in winning the allegiance of Nicodemus?

What does the record reveal about Nicodemus' later attitudes

and commitments? John 7:50-52; 19:39, 40. What lesson for

soul-winners is emphasized by Nicodemus' belated response

to Jesus' heart appeal?

Monday



January 17

JESUS CREATED A THIRST FOR SALVATION (John 4:1-42).

Answer the following questions regarding Jesus' inter-

view with the woman of Samaria:

How did Jesus arrest her

attention?

John 4:7-9.

How did Jesus foster her

interest?

Verses 10-12.

How did Jesus give her a

desire

for the water of life?

Verses 13-15.

How did Jesus bring

conviction

to her heart? Verses 16-24.

How did Jesus inspire her to

action?

Verses 25-29.

Attention, interest, desire, conviction, action are the five

responses Jesus sought from the woman of Samaria. We can

follow His method, cooperating with the Holy Spirit, who

engenders these five responses.

"The worker for Christ should not feel that he cannot speak

with the same earnestness to a few hearers as to a larger com-

pany. There may be only one to hear the message; but who can

tell how far-reaching will be its influence? It seemed a small

matter, even to His disciples, for the Saviour to spend His time

upon a woman of Samaria. But He reasoned more earnestly

and eloquently with her than with kings, councilors, or high

priests."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 194, 195.

What were the immediate results of Jesus' witness to the

woman of Samaria? John 4:28-30, 39-42.

Like the ripple created by a stone cast into a lake, so the

ripple effect of faithful witness to one person can result in

many others finding the Saviour. The Samaritans gathered

about Jesus and learned for themselves that He was the

Messiah and their Saviour from sin.

What results have you seen from your tactful, earnest wit-

ness to one person?

Tuesday



January 18

JESUS RESTORED GROSS SINNERS (Luke 8:1, 2).

What special ministry did Jesus perform for Mary

Magdalene? Luke 8:1, 2; 10:38-42.

The Desire of Ages

identifies Mary the sister of Martha and

Lazarus with Mary Magdalene (see pp. 559, 568). In her home

town, Bethany, a Pharisee named Simon led her into the sin of

immorality. (See

The Desire of Ages,

p. 566.) Evidently she left

home and went to live in the town of Magdala, near the west-

ern shore of the Sea of Galilee. She responded to Jesus' teach-

ing and joined other women who accompanied Him on His

second Galilean tour.

"Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ

knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. He might

have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did

not. It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven

times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled

her heart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the

Father in her behalf. She knew how offensive is sin to His

unsullied purity, and in His strength she had overcome."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 568.

Returning to Bethany, Mary was blessed by Jesus' personal

teaching when He visited her home.

How did Jesus exonerate Mary's act of anointing His head

with perfume, washing His feet with her tears, and wiping

them with her hair? Matt. 26:6-13; Luke 7:36-50; John 12:1-9.

Judas objected to Mary's expensive act because of his greed.

Simon the leper, whom Jesus had healed, secretly objected

because she was a notorious sinner. "Simon had led into sin

the woman he now despised."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 566. Jesus

defended Mary. Her action would be known worldwide through-

out history. By means of a parable, Jesus demonstrated to

Simon that his sin was greater than hers; and her sins were

forgiven. (To read more about Mary, see the story in John

20:11-18.)

Have you considered the influence of a judgmental spirit

toward sinners? (Compare Rom.

8:1 with Matt. 7:1-5.) If we

would be instruments in winning souls, we must be willing

to accept with love those for whom Jesus is working.

Wednesday



January 19

JESUS WON HEARTS BY HEALING BODIES (Matt. 10:7, 8).

What kind of ministry did Jesus combine with preaching

and teaching? Matt. 9:35.

The Greek verb

sozo,

usually translated "to save," is used a

number of times in the Gospels to mean "to heal." (See Matt.

9:22; Mark 6:56; 10:52; Luke 8:50; 17:19.) The healing ministry

of Jesus is an illustration of His power to save from sin. After

forgiving the sins of the paralytic who was let down through

the roof (Luke 5:18-20), Jesus answered the critical thoughts of

the scribes and Pharisees by asking: "Which is easier, to say,

'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'?" (Luke

5:23, RSV). He added: "'But that you may know that the Son of

man has authority on earth to forgive sins'—he said to the man

who was paralyzed—'I say to you, rise, take up your bed and

go home.' And immediately he rose before them" (Luke 5:24,

25, RSV). Jesus clearly stated that His act of healing was an

evidence of His power to forgive sins.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach, what else did

He command them to do? Matt. 10:7, 8.

"On the green hillslopes of Galilee, in the thoroughfares of

travel, by the seashore, in the synagogues, and in every other

place where the sick could be brought to Him, was to be found

His hospital. In every city, every town, every village, through

which He passed, He laid His hands upon the afflicted ones

and healed them. Wherever there were hearts ready to receive

His message, He comforted them with the assurance of their

heavenly Father's love."—The

Ministry of Healing,

pp. 17, 18.

"The way in which Christ worked was to preach the word,

and to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I

am instructed that we cannot now work in this way; for Satan

will exercise his power by working miracles. God's servants

today could not work by means of miracles, because spurious

works of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought. . . .

Sanitariums are to be established, and with these institutions

are to be connected workers who will carry forward genuine

medical missionary work. . . . This is the provision the Lord

has made whereby gospel medical missionary work is to be

done for many

souls."—Medical

Ministry,

p. 14.

Thursday



January 20

JESUS' CALL TO SERVICE (Luke 18:18-30).

Why did Jesus ask the rich young ruler to give up all his

wealth? Luke 18:18-22; Matt. 6:24-34.

Note the direct manner in which Jesus responded to this

young man. First, Jesus wanted him to recognize that He is the

Messiah (Luke 18:18, 19). Second, He wanted him to under-

stand that, in fact, he had not been observing the command-

ments in a manner acceptable to God. The one thing the young

man lacked was the saving love of Christ in his heart (verses

20-22). If he had been willing to receive Christ without reserva-

tion, he would have been willing also to give up his wealth and

become one of Christ's direct fellow workers. Jesus invited

him, as He had invited His other disciples, "Come, follow me"

(verse 22, RSV). What a privilege he turned down for the sake

of retaining his wealth and worldly influence!

What principles for winning souls can we glean from this

story?

Jesus did not compromise His integrity for the sake of

attracting a rich disciple. It would have been so easy for

Jesus to regard the young ruler's money and influence as

a welcome asset to His cause. But this would never have

saved the young man, and it would have compromised

the integrity of Christ's mission.

In a direct manner, Jesus attempted to convey to the

young man the message that love to God and man is the

very basis of acceptable commandment-keeping and serv-

ice. Lack of such love in the heart of one who attempts to

obey His law amounts to legalism.

Jesus was not denying the importance of life's necessities.

He wanted the young man to recognize that his abundant

wealth had become his god. Only by relinquishing it in

an act of total heart surrender to Christ could he have

eternal life.

Christ seeks colaborers who are willing to sacrifice all for

the salvation of their fellow human beings. Only as we

forsake all our idols can we be God's instruments to

appeal to the hearts of others.

Does Christ ask everyone to give all their wealth before

entering His service? (Compare Luke 19:8.) Should we be

willing to give all if He should ask us?

Friday



January 21

FURTHER STUDY: Study John 6 as an example of Jesus' ap-

proach to people who sought Him for the wrong motives.

Notice how, in the process of relating to them, He emphasized

the heart of the gospel. Read "Nicodemus" and "At Jacob's

Well" in

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 167-177, 183-195.

Every believer is a missionary.

The woman of Samaria

"represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every

true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary.

He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life.

The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is

like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and mak-

ing those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of

life."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 195.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

When Jesus worked for individuals, did He have any

more guarantee than we do that His efforts would be

successful? Why should we give the same attention to

an apparently unpromising prospect as to one who seems

ready to receive the truth with enthusiasm?

Didn't Jesus take a risk in carrying on a one-to-one

conversation with the woman of Samaria? Suppose you

are witnessing to a person of questionable reputation

and are criticized by those who think you are keeping

bad company. How would you handle that?

SUMMARY:

Only as we work to win people as Jesus did can

we fulfill His commission. In His private interviews, Jesus

appealed to the person's heart need; He did not stop to argue

theological points; He presented the cross and its results—the

transforming work of the Holy Spirit and the resulting works

that glorify God. Though not every soul responded positively,

Christ's method was faultless.

Lesson 5



January 23-29

What Is Friendship

Evangelism?

-----

...>

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: John 1:35-50; 2:1-11; James

1:19; Col. 4:3; Acts 18.

MEMORY TEXT: "If one falls down, his friend can help

him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help

him up!"(Ecclesiastes 4:10, NIV).

KEY THOUGHT:

"Friendship evangelism is simple, practi-

cal ways to share the language of caring with people around

you—to let them know that God loves them, that hope is not

lost."—Monte Sahlin,

Friendship Evangelism

(Siloam Springs,

Ark.: Concerned Communications, 1990), p. 6.

LOVE IN ACTION WINS FRIENDS.

A pastor's wife

visited a woman whose kitchen was so dirty and cluttered it

was impossible to see the floor. She offered to help the woman

clean up. She spent the day removing the rubbish and garbage

from the house and washing the floors.

When the woman's husband came home from work, he

asked, "What happened?" His wife replied, "Well, the Seventh-

day Adventist pastor's wife came and spent the day with me.

She helped me clean the house. She's coming back tomorrow.

She says she'll help me clean every Friday for a while. Besides

that, we're going to learn how to eat different food, and we're

going to church."

Practical helpfulness led to friendship and Bible studies,

and there came a day when that family was baptized. Kindness

opens hearts to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and to accep-

tance of the truths of God's Word.

Sunday



January 23

WHAT IS FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM? (John 1:35-50).

Notice how the number of Jesus' first disciples was in-

creased as friend influenced friend. John 1:35-50.

Jesus drew two disciples to Himself. One of the two, An-

drew, brought his brother Simon to Jesus. The next day Jesus

also called Philip to follow Him. "Philip, like Andrew and

Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida" (verse 44, NIV). Could

it be that Andrew and Peter had paved the way for Philip to

come to Jesus? Philip contacted his friend Nathanael and ex-

pressed confidence in Jesus (verse 45).

"This is the pattern throughout the New Testament, from

person to person to person. Today it is called 'networking.'

Networks are the full range of relationships that you have, the

people you talk to every day. This includes the people at the

office or shop where you work, the people you know at the

supermarket or gas station, your neighbors down the street,

your doctor, barber or beautician, optician, mechanic, insur-

ance agent, etc. Maybe you don't know all their names. Many

of them are not active in any religion."—Sahlin,

Friendship

Evangelism,

pp. 1, 2.

It is estimated that two-thirds of adult converts come into

the Adventist Church primarily because of the influence of a

friend or relative. There are five steps that people take in

becoming members of the church:

Awareness:

They discover that the church exists and learn

what it stands for.

Interest in spiritual things:

Because of circumstances in

their lives, the Holy Spirit is able to speak to them.

Evaluation:

They go to church, to a Bible study, or to an

evangelistic meeting to see what it is like. In the first few

minutes they decide whether they are comfortable in the

situation.

The trial period:

The interested person or new believer

will consciously or unconsciously put the church on trial

before making a settled commitment.

Adoption into the church:

The new member comes to feel

like an accepted part of the church family.

Considering the above steps, how would you explain why

some new members did not remain long in your church?

Monday



January 24

LEARNING TO CARE (John 2:1-11).

The early chapters of John's Gospel depict Jesus as a deeply

caring person who did all He could to bring happiness to

others and to relieve their suffering.

How do the following Bible stories indicate Jesus' care for

others? What principles can you draw from these stories that

should guide us in our witnessing for Him?

John 2:1-11



John 2:13-21



John 4:46-54



John 5:1-18



John 6:1-15



Jesus was a social person; He attended a wedding and,

when the hosts were embarrassed because the supply of wine

ran out, He made more from water.

Jesus drove the greedy merchants out of the temple court,

partly because He was concerned for the poor sinners who

were being financially exploited.

Moved by compassion, Jesus healed the dying son of a "royal

official" and, thereby, won a convert.

In the same spirit of concern, Jesus healed an invalid who

had suffered for 38 years.

Jesus did not send His hearers home without providing for

their physical needs.

Religion in action.

"The world will be convinced, not by

what the pulpit teaches, but by what the church lives. The

minister in the desk announces the theory of the gospel; the

practical piety of the church demonstrates its power."—Testi-

monies, vol.

7, p. 16.

"Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching

the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired

their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to

their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them,

'Follow

me.'"—The Ministry of Healing,

p. 143.

Are you following Jesus' method of witnessing in your

church? in your personal relationships with others?

Tuesday



January 25

LEARNING TO LISTEN (James 1:19).

What is one effective way of winning the trust and friend-

ship of other people? James 1:19.

It is not possible to assist people in bearing their burdens

without being willing to listen to their needs. We often think

of witnessing as verbalizing our beliefs and convictions. But

the beliefs we are sharing at a particular moment may not

meet the immediate needs of the person to whom we are

speaking. We cannot know the most effective approach to that

person's heart unless we are willing to listen to his or her

concerns. Jesus was a good listener and a keen observer of

people's struggles.

"It takes a lot of patience, faith, time spent on our knees,

time spent in practice and self-discipline to become an instinc-

tive, caring listener. But that's what the Scripture is asking us

to do. The language of ministry is the ability to listen in a

deep, significant way to other people."—Sahlin,

Friendship

Evangelism,

p. 13.

Study the practical-godliness emphasis given in Isaiah 58

in the description of true fasting:

Verse 6

"Loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of

the yoke . . . set the oppressed free and break every yoke"

(NIV).

Verse 7 "Is

it not to share your food with the hungry and to

provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the

naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own

flesh and blood?" (NIV).

Verses 9, 10

"If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with

the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend

yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of

the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness,

and your night will become like the noonday" (NIV).

Verses 11-14

The Lord's blessing is for those willing to serve

others in these ways. "You will be called Repairer of Broken

Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings" (verse 12, NIV).

Such service is associated with true Sabbathkeeping (verse

13), and leads to genuine fellowship with God (verse 14).

What might your willingness to listen and encourage do

for a suffering person?

Wednesday



January 26

LEARNING TO SHARE (Col. 4:3).

"It may be hard for you to believe that you could be com-

fortable telling someone at your place of work or among your

relatives how they can accept Jesus Christ as their personal

Savior. If you become a caring listener, you will find that those

opportunities come to you. You will not have to go and find

them. If you become a good listener, opportunities will be

thrust upon you when you have to share the Good News of

Christ because people will ask you."—Sahlin,

Friendship Evan-

gelism,

p. 19.

When you need an answer to share with someone, from

what source will that answer come? Col. 4:3; Luke 12:12.

When Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he prayed that God

would open the door for him to witness to others. When our

personal fellowship with Christ is vital and meaningful, we

have something to share. He opens doors for us so that we can

pass on the "good news" of His saving power. Paul wanted to

proclaim "the mystery of Christ." This is the mystery of what

Christ is willing to do now for the individual who accepts His

sacrifice on the cross. This is "the mystery that has been kept

hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the

saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the

Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in

you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:26, 27, NIV).

How did the Lord answer Paul's prayer? Acts 28:30, 31;

Phil. 4:22.

"Even in Nero's household, trophies of the cross were won.

From the vile attendants of a viler king were gained converts

who became sons of God. These were not Christians secretly,

but openly. They were not ashamed of their faith. . . . Not by

Paul's sermons, but by his bonds, was the attention of the court

attracted to Christianity. It was as a captive that he broke from

so many souls the bonds that held them in the slavery of

sin."—The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 463, 464.

Do you pray for the Lord to open doors for you to share

your faith? What is the heart of the message you share?

Thursday



January 27

THE FRIENDLY, EVANGELISTIC CHURCH (Acts 18:1-4, 7, 8,

19, 24-27).

Note the instances recorded in Acts 18 of friends influenc-

ing friends for the gospel:

Verses 1-3

Paul made friends with Aquila and Priscilla and

worked with them.

Verses 7, 8

Paul established a church in the home of his friend

Titius Justus. That home church attracted Crispus, the syna-

gogue ruler, and many others.

Verses 19, 24-27

Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus. They

befriended Apollos, took him to their home, and taught

him about Christ. Apollos moved to Corinth and shared

the good news that Priscilla and Aquila had given him.

Rom. 16:3-5

Later Priscilla and Aquila moved to Rome and

established a friendly church in their home.

In the process by which the knowledge of Christ was taken

from Jerusalem to Rome, friendship-networking was one of

the most important influences.

How did the apostolic church grow in numbers? Acts 1:15;

2:41-46; 4:4; 5:14.

What is a friendly church?

A friendly church fosters fellow-

ship, sharing with the needy, eating together, Bible study, and

united prayer. A friendly church has small fellowship groups

that draw people into their circle. By fellowshiping in their

homes, the early Christians attracted many new believers. A

friendly church grows because people want to hear about the

faith of friendly people.

The members of a friendly church focus on outreach to

others in the community; they are not insular and inbred,

unaware of people's needs. They make earnest attempts to

make friends with people in the community around them.

Motivated by Jesus' love for others, they offer services to the

community designed to improve the quality of life of their

neighbors and friends. A friendly church is a Spirit-filled church

that obeys all Jesus' instructions and unselfishly cooperates

with Jesus in relieving human misery.

How can your local church become a more outgoing, friendly

church? What kind of reorganization is necessary within the

church so that your congregation can have a greater impact

on the people around you?

Friday



January 28

FURTHER STUDY:

What do these Bible texts tell us about the

kind of caring necessary to touch lives in a powerful way?

Jer. 31:3



Song of Sol. 8:7



1 Cor. 13:8, 13



Luke 15:11, 20-23, 32



Read "Caesar's Household" in

The Acts of the Apostles,

pp.

461-468.

"He whose heart is fixed to serve God will find opportunity

to witness for Him. Difficulties will be powerless to hinder him

who is determined to seek first the kingdom of God and His

righteousness. In the strength gained by prayer and a study of

the word, he will seek virtue and forsake vice. Looking to

Jesus, the Author and Finisher of the faith, who endured the

contradiction of sinners against Himself, the believer will will-

ingly brave contempt and derision. And help and grace suffi-

cient for every circumstance are promised by Him whose word

is truth. His everlasting arms encircle the soul that turns to

Him for aid. In His care we may rest safely, saying, 'What time

I am afraid, I will trust in thee.' Psalm 56:3. To all who put their

trust in Him, God will fulfill His promise."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

p. 467.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Analyze the outreach efforts of your church in the past

few years. Were they successful? Why, or why not?

Think of your personal impact on the lives of people

who are not members of the church. Have your words

and actions been such that others would be drawn to

your faith and to your church? What improvements could

you make?

SUMMARY:

Friendship evangelism involves friends influ-

encing friends for Christ, friends who in turn influence their

friends. This networking program emulates the method of

soul-winning used by Christ and the apostles.

Lesson 6



January 30-February 5

What Is the Most

Important Decision?

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Matt. 11:28-30; 2 Cor. 7:9-

11; 5:17; Ex. 32:26; Luke 12:8.

MEMORY TEXT: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and

are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke

upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in

heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matt. 11:28,

29).

KEY THOUGHT:

When people accept doctrinal and pro-

phetic truth before accepting Christ, they have a new set of

opinions, but their hearts remain unchanged.

THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION

for every person is

the decision to surrender the life to Christ. There are three

major decisions involved in coming to Jesus for salvation: (1) to

believe in Him as a personal Saviour; (2) to confess past sins

and to trust Christ for power to keep from sin; (3) to serve

Christ in everything.

We need to know how to help men and women decide for

Christ. In the right manner and at the right time, we must ask

men and women to accept Jesus. Imagine a literature evan-

gelist going from home to home showing his books, telling

people how valuable the books are, but failing to ask for an

order. When we have befriended people and established a

level of trust, we should ask the question "Have you come to

the place in your spiritual journey where you have accepted

Christ as Saviour and Lord?"

Sunday



January 30

INVITE SURRENDER TO JESUS (Matt. 11:28-30).

What is Jesus' comforting promise to all people in every

age, in every culture? Matt. 11:28-30.

The world is full of people struggling for survival. Many

poor people are so burdened with the need to make a living

and many of the rich are so frustrated with the emptiness and

meaninglessness of their existence that they seek some rem-

edy, some exciting distraction. The popular relief is pleasure

in its many varied forms—sex, alcohol, drugs, entertainment,

fashion. For some people even crime is an attractive distrac-

tion.

Those "who labor and are heavy laden" (Matt. 11:28, RSV)

are all sinners struggling with the apparently uncontrollable

demands of their fallen nature. Jesus offers relief, and He has

chosen those who have found relief through His power to take

to others the good news of the spiritual rest He offers.

Note how John emphasized both the importance and re-

sults of believing in Jesus:

John 1:7-9, 12, 13

Jesus has light for all humanity, and the

light of salvation for those who believe in Him.

John 3:16, 36; 5:24

The gift of eternal life begins in the here

and now for those who believe in Jesus.

John 11:25

Even though those who believe in Jesus should

die, Jesus will raise them on the resurrection day.

John 17:20-23

Jesus wants His believing people to be united

in love so that unbelievers may know that they too are loved

and can have salvation through Christ.

In some countries of the Orient the statement that many

roads reach to the top of the mountain means that there are

many ways to reach eternal life. Christians reject that idea. The

Bible teaches that there is only one way of salvation—trust in

the Lord Jesus Christ. (See Acts 4:12.)

How do you feel regarding the responsibility that God has

given every believer to ask others to accept Jesus as their

Saviour?

What

steps can be

taken if

a person feels ill at ease

doing this?

Monday



January 31

THE NEED FOR REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION (2 Cor.

7:9-11).

What is repentance? 2 Cor. 7:8-11. From where does the

gift of repentance come? Acts 5:31; 2 Tim. 2:25.

Repentance is genuine sorrow for sin and turning away

from it. "The Bible does not teach that the sinner must repent

before he can heed the invitation of Christ, 'Come unto me, all

ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'

Matthew 11:28. It is the virtue that goes forth from Christ, that

leads to genuine repentance. . . . We can no more repent with-

out the Spirit of Christ to awaken the conscience than we can

be pardoned without Christ."—Steps

to Christ,

p. 26.

What specific things did David long to experience again as

he prayed for forgiveness? Ps. 32:1, 2; 51:1-14.

Because Christ is so willing to forgive our sins and, in the

process, transform our lives (1 John 1:9; Isa. 1:16-18), we should

be willing to confess our sins to Him and, when possible, to

ask forgiveness of those we have wronged. "Confession will

not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and refor-

mation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything

offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of

genuine sorrow for

sin."—Steps to Christ,

p. 39. (See Eze. 33:15;

2 Cor. 7:11.)

Forgiveness through Christ.

Acts 13:38, 39 establishes that

forgiveness is available because of Christ's death upon the

cross. Forgiveness is identified with justification. What does

Christ do for us when He forgives our sins? In speaking of His

ministry, Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1, 2. The Greek of Luke 4:18

may be translated: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because

He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor; He has

sent Me to preach

forgiveness

(release) to the captives and re-

covering of sight to the blind,

to send forth the oppressed in

forgiveness

(liberty)." Christ's forgiveness is release from spirit-

ual captivity. (See Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:13, 14;

Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

p. 114.)

Our experience of Christ's forgiveness should inspire us

to reach out to others so that they too may have the peace of

knowing that their sins are forgiven.

Tuesday



February 1

LIVING FOR JESUS (2 Cor. 5:17).

What immediate change occurs in the lives of those who

surrender to Christ? 2 Cor. 5:17, 21; 1 John 2:29;

3:7.

Christ forgives their sins and credits their account with His

perfect righteousness (Rom. 4:22-25.) As part of God's saving

act, the righteousness of Jesus is also bestowed upon the be-

liever by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9, 10). Born-again Christians

are able to do works that in God's sight are righteous because

they have received the gift of Christ's righteousness (1 John

2:29). Even though they remain fallen human beings with ten-

dencies toward sin (1 Cor. 9:27; Gal. 5:17), they are now walk-

ing by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16) and are "led by the Spirit" (verse

18, RSV). Christ is living out His life through them (Gal. 2:20).

In this sense they are "righteous, as he is righteous" (1 John 3:7,

RSV).

When we truly love Jesus, what will be our response to

His will, as expressed in His law? John 14:15; Rom. 8:1-4.

"The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has

been—just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first

parents—perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect right-

eousness. . . .

"We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet

the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of

escape for us. . . . If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him

as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for

His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands

in place of your character, and you are accepted before God

just as if you had not sinned.

"More than this, Christ changes the heart. He abides in your

heart by faith. You are to maintain this connection with Christ

by faith and the continual surrender of your will to Him; and

so long as you do this, He will work in you to will and to do

according to His good pleasure."—Steps

to Christ,

pp. 62, 63.

Are you able to explain the simple steps in the salvation

process to an interested person? Perhaps it would help to

practice on your fellow Sabbath School class members or

individually with a family member or a friend.

Wednesday



February 2

A CALL FOR DECISION (Ex. 32:26).

What decisive question did Moses ask after Israel had

turned from the Lord by making a golden calf and dancing

around it? Ex. 32:26.

A crisis had come in the camp of Israel. The people were

practicing the lifestyle of the Egyptians. Men and women to-

day are absorbed with the things of the world. The pull of

traditional religions, of secular life, and of worldly attach-

ments and pleasures is so strong that many find it difficult to

place faith in Christ. The question needs to be asked "Who is

on the Lord's side?"

Study other calls for decision and their results:

Joshua 24:14,15, 24-28



1 Kings 18:21, 38, 39



Acts 2:36-41



Acts 26:25-29



As Christ's representatives, we are presenting the Elijah

message today (Mal. 4:5, 6), calling men and women to leave

the Baal worship of their culture and generation and to follow

the true and living God. In every relationship with a nonbe-

liever the time comes when we must appeal for a decision.

If we urge too strongly for a decision before the person is

ready, we run the risk of closing the door on a potential be-

liever. On the other hand, if the person is ready to make a

decision, and we fail to sense it and ask for it, the crucial

moment may go by and the person may not be as receptive

again. Because a person is not asked to join the body of Christ,

he or she may feel not wanted or "not good enough." To be

sensitive to the readiness of a soul requires listening carefully

to the individual and listening prayerfully for the promptings

of the Holy Spirit.

How can you be sure you are asking for decisions in the

correct manner? Analyze the factors that lead people to make

positive decisions. Apply these factors to decisions for Christ.

Thursday



February 3

CONFESSING CHRIST (Luke 12:8).

What encouragement are we given to let others know about

our faith in Christ and to invite them to accept Him? Rom.

10:9; 1 John 4:13-16.

Paul links salvation with heart response to Christ and ver-

bal acknowledgment that He is our Lord. John sees a close

relationship between the Holy Spirit living in our hearts and

our willingness to testify to Christ's deity and to rely upon His

love. How important, then, that daily we make the right deci-

sion for Christ and cooperate with Him in inspiring others to

accept Him.

How do we ask for decisions? After our relationship has

become one of mutual trust and confidence, we may ask, "May

ask you a question?" They will say yes. The question is "Have

you accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord?" There gener-

ally will be four types of response: (1) Yes, I have; (2) No, I

have not; (3) I am not sure; or (4) What do you mean? We must

be prepared to follow up on each of these responses.

We ought not to be discouraged if people do not respond

the first time we ask them to accept the Lord. When a non-

believer says no to a call to accept Christ, it is not no forever,

but just for that moment. The Holy Spirit is able to prepare the

heart for a positive response later. You have fulfilled an impor-

tant task. You have prompted the person to think about Christ's

claims on his or her life.

At a lay congress in the Far East a man asked a missionary

whether he remembered him. He had attended the missionary's

meetings 10 years earlier. He had now been a church member

for three years. When the missionary asked, "What brought

you to a decision for Christ?" he responded, "It was the appeal

you made 10 years ago. I was never able to get the conviction

out of my mind that came to my heart when you made that

appeal. For seven years

lived with that conviction. Then I

made my decision."

Even when appeals receive no immediate response, they

have a vital impact on the mind and heart of the listener.

The decision Christ wants every believer to make is to

acknowledge

Him publicly by inviting others to become His

disciples. What is God's promise if we acknowledge Him

before others? Luke 12:8.

Friday



February 4

FURTHER STUDY:

Study the role of the Holy Spirit in pre-

paring hearts for the gospel message and in preparing those

who are to present it to them. Acts 10.

Present Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

"Present

the plain 'Thus saith the Lord' with authority, and exalt the

wisdom of God in the written Word. Bring the people to a

decision; keep the voice of the Bible ever before them. Tell

them you speak that which you do know, and testify that

which is truth, because God has spoken it. . . .

"Talk to souls in peril, and get them to behold Jesus upon

the cross, dying to make it possible for Him to pardon. Talk to

the sinner with your own heart overflowing with the tender,

pitying love of Christ. Let there be deep earnestness, but not a

harsh, loud note should be heard in the voice of one who is

trying to win the soul to look and live. First have your own

soul consecrated to God. As you look upon our Intercessor in

heaven, let your heart be broken. Then, softened and subdued,

you can address repenting sinners as one who realizes the

power of redeeming love. Pray with these souls, by faith lay-

ing them at the foot of the cross; carry their minds up with

your mind, and fix the eye of faith where you look, upon Jesus,

the Sin Bearer. Get them to look away from their poor sinful

selves to the Saviour, and the victory is

won."—Evangelism,

296-299.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Why is it important to lead a person to Christ before

presenting the distinctive aspects of the Advent mes-

sage?

Suppose you appeal to people with whom you have

been studying to accept Christ and they refuse. What

would you do next?

SUMMARY:

The most important decision for persons to make

is the decision to accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. By

coming to Him in surrender, they receive from Him the gift of

repentance. When they confess their sins, they are forgiven

and transformed in heart and begin living for Jesus. Our task is

to study the best time and method of inviting them to accept

Jesus.

Lesson 7



February 6-12

How Do We Teach as

Jesus Did?

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: John 10:1-18; Matt. 13:24-

30, 36-43; 16:13-19; Luke 10:25-28; 24:27, 44.

MEMORY TEXT: "And when Jesus finished these sayings,

the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught

them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes"

(Matt. 7:28, 29, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

Jesus applied the most effective teaching

techniques. We can be successful teachers of the Word if we

follow His methods.

JESUS IS THE MASTER TEACHER.

Jesus did not present a

mixture of possibilities and leave the people to separate truth

from error. He did not lecture on the law as did the scribes.

"Their custom was to dwell upon the obscurities of the law,

and the result of their reasoning was a jargon of absurdities,

which neither the learned could fathom nor the common people

understand."—Fundamentals of Christian Education,

p. 236. Jesus

was not concerned to establish a scholarly reputation or to

have people admire His genius.

Jesus spoke to people's hearts; He sought to address the

longings of their souls. With the complete assurance that His

teaching was truth essential for the salvation of His hearers,

Jesus spoke with divine authority.

This week's lesson presents five simple teaching techniques

Jesus used—techniques that will give such life and saving vi-

tality to our teaching that nonbelievers will be led to the point

of decision.

Sunday



February 6

JESUS BEGAN WITH THE PEOPLE'S FAMILIAR

ASSOCIATIONS (John 10:1-18).

Jesus led the minds of His listeners from the common ex-

periences and situations of daily life to acceptance of divine

truth. He knew the needs, interests, prejudices, and longings

of the people He was teaching. He led them from the mundane

to the spiritual, from the natural to the supernatural, from the

carnal to the morally pure, from the struggles of the present to

the security of eternity.

How did Jesus illustrate His tender care for His people?

John 10:1-18.

Jesus contrasted His role as the "good shepherd" (verse 11)

with the subversive attitudes and actions of those who attempt

to mislead the "sheep."

"Jesus found access to the minds of His hearers by the

pathway of their familiar associations. . . . In a beautiful pasto-

ral picture He represents His relation to those that believe on

Him. No picture was more familiar to His hearers than this,

and Christ's words linked it forever with Himself. Never could

the disciples look on the shepherds tending their flocks with-

out recalling the Saviour's lesson. They would see Christ in

each faithful shepherd. They would see themselves in each

helpless and dependent flock."—The

Desire of Ages,

476.

In the following passages, observe Jesus' method of be-

ginning with the familiar interests, ideas, and attitudes of

His listeners:

Matt. 4:18,19



Matt 5:21, 22



Matt. 5:27, 28



Matt. 5:43, 44



In giving Bible studies, we should begin with the interests

of the people with whom we are studying. Without their

being conscious of the method, it is possible to lead their

thoughts from that which is familiar to that which the Lord

wishes them to accept.

Monday



February 7

JESUS ILLUSTRATED WITH REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS

(Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43).

Why would Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares be

especially captivating to His listeners? Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43.

Jesus described a real-life situation. "In the East, men some-

times took revenge upon an enemy by strewing his newly

sown fields with the seeds of some noxious weed that, while

growing, closely resembled

wheat."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

71. What more effective way to illustrate the work of Satan in

bringing into the church those who have not been born again?

Jesus was speaking to a farming community.

Notice that Jesus did not immediately explain the meaning

of the parable. But the minds of the people were stimulated to

think how such a familiar story could illustrate "the kingdom

of heaven" (verse 24). Later, when asked, Jesus applied the

parable.

The teaching principles that emerge are: (1) illustrate truth

by life situations that are familiar to people, and (2) do not tell

all you know at one time; give the listeners time to think about

what you have already said. Questions will probably follow.

Consider the appropriateness of the following parables

for truths Jesus wished to teach:

Matt. 13:33



Matt. 13:44



Matt. 13:45, 46



Matt. 13:47-50



Real-life situations that grip people's attention today may

include stories about such matters as space travel, environ-

mental protection, disease control, the plight of the homeless,

love and acceptance in a racially tense society, and so on.

The best illustrations for Bible studies often come from

life's experiences—as long as those experiences are meaning-

ful to the listeners.

Tuesday



February 8

JESUS ASKED QUESTIONS (Matt. 16:13-19).

From a teaching point of view, why were Jesus' two ques-

tions, recorded in Matthew 16:13-15, especially helpful?

What was Jesus aiming to teach His disciples in this

passage? Note verses 18, 19. The church would be built upon

Him, and He would give authority to His disciples. Why did

Jesus ask the general question first, "Who do people say that

the Son of man is?" (verse 13, NRSV), followed by the more

specific, "But who do you say that I am?" (verse 15, RSV)? The

contrast between popular opinion and the disciples' opinion

was dramatic. Obviously the church could not be built upon

John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or any other prophet. Jesus

drew from the disciples their belief that He is the Messiah.

Then He emphasized that, because He is the Messiah, the

church would be built upon Him, and He would have the

right to share authority with His disciples. The two questions

set the stage for the message.

Analyze the effectiveness of Jesus' questions recorded in:

Matt. 17:24-27



Matt. 22:18-22



Matt. 22:41-46



Luke 14:3



Teaching is not the same process as preaching or lecturing.

Preaching is monologue; teaching involves dialogue. Ques-

tions are a vital part of teaching, because they are mind

openers. The right question encourages students to think

through a problem. Possibly the question will enable them to

discover truth for themselves. If not, at least grappling with

the question prepares them for the teaching to follow.

In giving Bible studies it is essential to stimulate dialogue

by asking questions. Whether the answer given is right or

wrong, students can be gently directed to Bible teaching on

the subject of the question.

Wednesday



February 9

JESUS KEPT HIS MESSAGES SCRIPTURAL (Luke 10:25-28).

In an interview with a lawyer, recorded in Luke 10, Jesus

used five effective teaching techniques:

Verse 26

Jesus'

question

encouraged the lawyer to answer his

own question.

Verse 26

Jesus asked the lawyer for

a Bible answer.

Verses 27, 28

Jesus

commended

the lawyer when he gave the

right answer.

Verses 29-35

Jesus answered a question with

a human-interest

story.

Verse 36

Jesus

gave the lawyer's question back to him,

by asking it

in relation to the story.

Jesus' question directed the lawyer to the Scriptures. He

knew that this man did not believe in Him and would prob-

ably not accept His answer as authoritative. But the lawyer did

believe the Scriptures. Jesus appealed to Bible authority.

Why did Jesus appeal to the Scriptures in the following

instances?

Mark 12:10



Luke 4:16-21



John 7:37-39



"Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissen-

sion among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His

words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs

and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revela-

tion. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of

meaning in the word of God. . . .

"The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scrip-

tures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the

opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncer-

tainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable

authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power,

as if His words could not be controverted."—The

Desire of Ages,

253.

There is no substitute for Bible authority to establish truth.

The Bible must be applied to individual needs.

Thursday



February 10

JESUS TAUGHT THAT SCRIPTURE FOCUSED ON HIM

(Luke 24:27, 44).

What evidence do we have that the entire Bible, both Old

and New Testament, testifies of Jesus Christ?

John 5:39



Luke 24:27, 44



Rom 1:1-6



Rev. 1:1



Jesus taught that the Old Testament Scriptures were de-

signed to focus on Him. The New Testament was written by

apostles or associates of apostles whose overwhelming desire

was to make Christ known.

For there to be spiritual life and vitality in the Bible studies

we share with others, Christ must be the center.

How can Christ be recognized as the center and focus of

the following Bible doctrines?

The state of the dead:

Jesus promises the gift of eternal life

for those who believe (John 5:24). At His second advent,

Jesus will raise from the dead those believers who fall

asleep in death (John 11:11, 25, 26). This resurrection is

possible because Jesus rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:16-23).

The Sabbath:

The Sabbath is the day before the day Jesus

rose from the dead (Luke 23:52-24:1). Jesus is the one

who sanctifies us (makes us holy; 1 Cor. 1:30). The Sab-

bath is a sign of this experience with Christ (Ex. 31:13).

Jesus kept the Sabbath (Luke 4:16) and expected His

followers to keep it after His death (Matt. 24:20).

The investigative judgment:

Jesus taught that there is a

judgment of professed believers before His second com-

ing (Matt. 22:11-14). In this judgment, Jesus is both Judge

and Advocate (John 5:22; Dan. 7:9, 10, 13, 14). Those are

vindicated who are wearing the robe of Christ's right-

eousness (Rev. 3:5; 19:7, 8).

Bible studies must be thoroughly Christ-centered. Because

the whole Bible focuses on Christ, any Bible presentation

should center in Him and point to Him.

Friday



February 11

FURTHER STUDY:

Analyze the teaching techniques Jesus used

in His interview with Nicodemus: John 3:1-21. Read "Teaching

in Parables" in

Christ's Object Lessons,

pp. 17-27.

"Through the creation we are to become acquainted with

the Creator. The book of nature is a great lesson book, which

in connection with the Scriptures we are to use in teaching

others of His character, and guiding lost sheep back to the

fold of God. As the works of God are studied, the Holy Spirit

flashes conviction into the mind. It is not the conviction that

logical reasoning produces; but unless the mind has become

too dark to know God, the eye too dim to see Him, the ear too

dull to hear His voice, a deeper meaning is grasped, and the

sublime, spiritual truths of the written word are impressed on

the

heart."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 24.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

In preparing a Bible study on tithing, how would you

plan to apply the teaching techniques referred to in this

lesson?

Why is preaching inappropriate for a Sabbath School

class? How can a Sabbath School teacher lead his or her

class into deep Bible study and also have meaningful

discussion?

In giving a Bible study to a nonbeliever for the first

time, where would you begin? Why?

What kinds of illustration do you think are appropriate

for a Bible study? Why?

SUMMARY:

In His teaching, Jesus directed minds from their

habitual interests and understandings to contemplation of di-

vine truths. He used illustrations from nature and from life's

experiences. He involved His hearers in discussion by asking

questions. His teaching was scriptural and centered in His

own saving ministry. For our Bible teaching to be effective, it

must copy Jesus' method.

Lesson 8



February 13-19

How Does Jesus Want

People to Live?

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Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Matt. 5:15-17; 28:19, 20;

Col. 2:6; 1 Cor. 4:1, 2; Rev. 12:17.

MEMORY TEXT: "You are my friends if you do what I

command you" (John 15:14, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

God wants us to emulate Jesus and to do

whatever He commands.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?

As we

discovered in Lesson 6, the first and most important decision

we should lead people to make is to surrender their hearts to

Christ, allowing Him to transform them by the inner work of

the Holy Spirit—the new-birth experience. The next step is for

us to fulfill the other aspects of Jesus' great commission: "teaching

them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:20,

RSV).

The born-again Christian wants to know what Jesus teaches

and how He wants him to live. Because the whole Bible is a

testimony to Christ (Luke 24:27, 44), inspired by the Holy

Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16), we must lead interested people to under-

stand and accept Bible teaching. Using Jesus' teaching method,

outlined in Lesson 7, we can now simply and systematically

present each beautiful part of the Advent message. The order

in which we present the doctrines and prophecies of God's

Word will depend on the level of understanding and spiritual

growth of the person or persons with whom we are studying.

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Sunday



February 13

MAINTAIN CONSTANT FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS (Col.

2:6).

How is the new-birth experience maintained? Col. 2:6;

Gal. 5:16-18, 25; 2 Cor. 4:16.

The Christian life begins when we surrender our hearts to

Christ and invite Him to transform us by the Holy Spirit. Paul

reminded the Galatians that they had begun with the Spirit

(Gal. 3:3). His presence in the heart is Christ's presence, and

Christ's presence is righteousness in our hearts (Rom. 8:9, 10;

Eph. 3:17). Because righteousness is the qualification for eter-

nal life (Matt. 25:46; Heb. 12:14), we have the gift of eternal life

when we have Jesus living within by the Holy Spirit (John 3:36;

1 Cor. 1:30).

We maintain this wonderful new life in Christ as every day

we renew our commitment to Him. As we began, so we are to

walk, by the power of the Holy Spirit. (See Rom. 15:16; 2 Thess.

2:13; 1 Peter 1:1, 2.)

"To follow Jesus requires wholehearted conversion at the

start, and a repetition of this conversion every day."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1,

p. 1113.

"None are living Christians unless they have a daily experi-

ence in the things of God and daily practice self-denial, cheer-

fully bearing the cross and following Christ. Every living Christian

will advance daily in the divine life. As he advances toward

perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day; and

this conversion is not completed until he attains to perfection

of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch

of immortality."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 505.

So that the Holy Spirit can continue His sanctifying work

for us, what two daily activities are essential? (1) Matt. 26:41;

Eph. 6:18; (2) 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 15:4.

No love relationship can be maintained without constant

communication. Our fellowship with Jesus depends on our

being willing to speak with Him and allowing Him to speak

with us. It is essential to have a time every day for prayer and

Bible study.

From your own experience, explain what Jesus does for

you as you pray and study His Word every day.

Monday



February 14

KEEP ALL THE COMMANDMENTS (Matt. 5:17-20).

What evidence do we have that Jesus wants His people to

keep all of the Ten Commandments?

Matt. 5:17-20

We are not even to think that Jesus came to

abolish the law. He came to fill God's commandments

with meaning by demonstrating how we are to keep them.

The person who teaches that God has abolished any of His

commandments will have no part in His kingdom. Christ

replaced the ceremonial aspects of the law that pointed to

the Messiah with the reality of His death, resurrection,

and heavenly ministry in the sanctuary above. (See Heb.

8:1-7.)

Matt. 24:20

Jesus did not change the Sabbath command to

have it refer to the first day of the week instead of the

seventh day. Jesus observed the seventh-day Sabbath (Luke

4:16) and instructed His followers to continue observing it

after His death (Matt. 24:20). Christians are to observe the

fourth commandment, as they observe the other nine.

Luke 18:18-20

Jesus instructed the rich young ruler to keep the

Ten Commandments, and He listed a few of them so that the

ruler would know to which ones He was referring. This

does not imply that Christians are not to obey the com-

mandments Jesus did not mention. Jesus knew that the

young ruler was not keeping these commandments, be-

cause he lacked love for God and total commitment to Him.

The young man was trying in his own strength, and failing.

John 14:15

(Compare John 15:10.) Jesus' commandments are

the Father's commandments, because Jesus and theFather

are One. (See John 10:30; 14:8-11.) Jesus said, "The words

that

say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but

the Father who dwells in me does his works" (verse 10,

RSV). Jesus wants us to obey Him because we love Him.

What do the following texts teach regarding the place of

the Ten Commandments in the life of the Christian? Rom.

3:31;

7:7;

8:3, 4 (compare James 2:10-12; 1 John 2:4; 5:1-4).

According to the above Bible passages, where is the power

found to keep God's commandments? How is it obtained?

Tuesday



February 15

JOIN THE REMNANT CHURCH (Rev. 12:17).

By what two characteristics does Jesus identify His rem-

nant, last-day church? Rev. 12:17.

The two characteristics of the remnant church are clearly

stated: It is the church that (1) keeps the commandments of

God and (2) has the "testimony of Jesus."

We have seen that Jesus wants His followers to keep all of

God's commandments. But what is the "testimony of Jesus"?

When John fell at the feet of the angel who was speaking to

him, the angel said, "See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant,

and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship

God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev.

19:10). Who were these "brethren" who, like the angel, had

the spirit of prophecy? The parallel passage, Revelation 22:8,

9, answers the question. The "brethren" were the prophets.

Prophets have the spirit of prophecy. They receive direct

revelations from God to impart to His people.

Will there be true prophets in the last-day church? Joel

2:28-32; Eph. 4:11-14; 1 Cor. 1:4-7.

Seventh-day Adventists believe that the spirit of prophecy

was manifested in the life and work of Ellen G. White (1827-

1915): "One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift

is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was mani-

fested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the Lord's

messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative

source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guid-

ance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that

the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience

must be

tested."—Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook,

1992, p. 7.

Be able to explain why a new believer should belong to

the remnant church: (1) Christ adds members to His church

(Acts 2:47); (2) Christ loves His church supremely and is

preparing her for His second advent (Eph. 5:25-27); (3) we are

instructed to fellowship regularly with other church mem-

bers (Heb. 10:25); (4) Christ calls others to join His church

(Rev. 18:1-4) so that there "shall be one flock, one shepherd"

(John 10:16, RSV).

Wednesday



February 16

BE FAITHFUL STEWARDS (1 Cor. 4:1, 2).

The Greek word translated "stewards" in 1 Corinthians 4:1,

2 (KJV, RSV) means "managers." Jesus wants us to depend

upon Him for power to manage our lives. He wants us to live

as He did so that others can receive His good news of

salvation. We are to utilize carefully our time in His service.

(See Ps. 90:12; Eph. 5:15, 16; Col. 4:5.) Christ will increase our

talents and our capacity to employ them if we use them for

Him. (See Matt. 25:14-30.)

What does the Bible teach about stewardship of money?

Mal. 3:8-11; 1 Cor. 9:13, 14.

God devised the tithing principle as a means of supporting

priests (ministers, pastors) who are called to full-time minis-

try for the people. Because pastors cannot depend on secular

livelihood while ministering, the people for whom they min-

ister are to support them. (See Num. 18:23, 24.) Note that we

bring the tithes to the "storehouse" (Mal. 3:10) as an act of

worship. We are not to give tithes to particular pastors, but to

the church, which distributes the tithes equitably. Giving a

tenth of our income to favorite pastors or projects denies the

biblical tithing principle. God directs His children to present a

tenth of their income for the support of the church's ministry.

"The portion that God has reserved for Himself is not to be

diverted to any other purpose than that which He has speci-

fied. Let none feel at liberty to retain their tithe, to use

according to their own judgment. They are not to use it for

themselves in an emergency, nor to apply it as they see fit, even

in what they may regard as the Lord's

work."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 247.

Why is stewardship of health important? 3 John 2; 1 Cor.

6:19, 20.

Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, we

should partake only of health-giving food and drink. Since

drugs—including tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine—are harmful

to health, we should not use them. The diet given in Eden

(Gen. 1:29) is acknowledged today as promoting health. This

involves a diet low in sugar, low in fat, and high in fiber. (See

Counsels on Diet and Foods,

pp. 373-416.)

Thursday



February 17

FULFILL JESUS' COMMISSION (Matt. 28:19, 20).

Jesus invites each new believer to unite with other believers

in taking the gospel to the world. Not all have the same talents

or spiritual gifts, but all are offered the privilege of using their

abilities in service for Christ and humanity.

In what ways can you cooperate with others in fulfilling

Christ's great commission recorded in Matthew 28:19, 20?

Lesson 5 describes friendship evangelism. We all have

friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and relatives to whom we

can witness for Christ. We can offer encouragement and help

in times of need. We can give literature, give Bible studies,

cooperate with our local church in conducting evangelistic

meetings, Revelation seminars, and other kinds of seminar

designed to instruct people and relieve their suffering.

Some can open their homes to friends willing to study the

Bible. Some can visit the sick, the imprisoned, or the lonely.

Some can take part in van ministries, designed to reach people

on the street and to provide assistance to the homeless.

There are many personal ministries in which believers can

engage. The kind of ministry you choose will depend on your

talents and spiritual gifts, your interests and profession, and

the approach that will most likely influence your friends.

What wonderful promise does Jesus give to those who

witness for Him? Matt. 10:32 (compare 1 John 2:23; Rom.

10:9).

"Jesus is calling for many missionaries, for

men and

women who will consecrate themselves to God, willing to

spend and be spent in His service. Oh, can we not remember

that here is a world to labor for? Shall we not move forward

step by step, letting God use us as His helping hand? Shall

we not place ourselves on the altar of service? Then the love

of Christ will touch and transform us, make us willing for

His sake to do and

dare."—Colporteur

Ministry,

p. 18.

Friday



February 18

FURTHER STUDY:

Study the special relevance of the mes-

sage to Sardis for those who are cooperating with Christ in

preparing themselves and others for the Second Advent: Rev-

elation 3:1-6.

Read "Prepare to Meet the Lord,"

Testimonies, vol.

1, pp.

123-126.

"A form of godliness will not save any. All must have a

deep and living experience. This alone will save them in the

time of trouble. Then their work will be tried of what sort it

is."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 125.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Why is it not too great a sacrifice to give up something

or someone for Christ? Compare the things Christ has

done for you with the things you have given up for

Him.

What are the practical advantages in keeping the Ten

Commandments? How do these commands protect our

health and happiness?

How may you and your church congregation be more

effective in leading persons to commit their lives to

Christ and His will?

How can you encourage members of your family to live

the life of victory in Christ?

SUMMARY:

Living as Jesus wants us to live begins with total

heart surrender to Him. Then obeying His commandments is a

pleasure. Realizing that salvation is Christ's free gift to those

who have faith, we do not keep His commandments in order to

save ourselves, but because we love to please Him, and be-

cause His law is for our happiness and well-being. It is a joy to

be part of Christ's remnant church because it provides us a

spiritual home and family. We respond to Jesus' call for faith-

ful stewards because our lives are much happier when Jesus

manages them. What a privilege is ours to work with Jesus for

others who need His love and our fellowship!

Lesson 9



February 20-26

In What Ways Does

Christ Baptize Us?

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Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Matt. 3:13-17; 20:20-23;

John 1:12; 3:5; Rom. 6:3-5.

MEMORY TEXT: "And now why do you wait? Rise and be

baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name"

(Acts 22:16, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

The baptism of the Spirit

makes

us Chris-

tians; water baptism

proclaims

us Christians; trials

test

us as

Christians.

WHAT QUALIFIES US TO BE MEMBERS OF THE

CHURCH?

Is membership merely a matter of being accepted

by a local congregation? Is being a member of the church the

same as being a member of a club? Does a person just decide to

belong to a particular group of religious people, and then

apply for membership as he or she would to any secular orga-

nization?

People are qualified to be members of the church if they are

born-again Christians, committed to doing Jesus' will in every-

thing. People are baptized because they have had this experi-

ence and accepted this commitment. Water baptism does not

make

a Christian; it publicly declares that a person

a Chris-

tian.

Church membership follows baptism because committed

Christians who have declared their commitment publicly want

to have fellowship with others who have made the same com-

mitment. They want to be part of the family of God.

Sunday



February 20

THE BAPTISM THAT MAKES US CHRISTIANS (John 1:12).

When do we become children of God? John 1:12. What

does the Lord bestow upon us when we become His chil-

dren? Gal. 4:6.

When we receive Christ, believing in Him, allowing Him to

live out His life through us, we become children of God. At the

point at which we believe, we are given the gift of the Holy

Spirit. "He who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap

eternal life" (Gal. 6:8, RSV). The Spirit in us is Christ in us, and

we experience "the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge"

because we are "filled with all the fulness of God" (Eph. 3:16-

19, RSV). So the Holy Spirit qualifies us for Christian life here

and now, and qualifies us to spend eternity with Jesus.

To what are we introduced when we are baptized by the

Holy Spirit? 1 Cor. 12:12-18, 27.

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews

or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one

Spirit" (verse 13, RSV). The gift of the Spirit makes us members

of the "body" of Christ. That "body" is the church of Jesus

Christ, spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12.

It is possible to be a member of a church but to lack the Holy

Spirit in your heart. Then you do not belong to the body of

Christ, even though your name is listed as a church member.

Anyone who genuinely belongs to the body of Christ wishes

to have fellowship with other members of the body of Christ.

John Donne's statement, "No man is an island," is appropriate

when we discuss the Christian church. One of the most impor-

tant teachings of the New Testament is that those in whose

hearts the Holy Spirit is dwelling will fellowship together—

because they are parts of Christ's body that cannot live sepa-

rately from the other parts.

The only initiation that makes us Christians is provided

by the Lord Jesus Christ. When we receive Him, He grants us

the baptism of His Holy Spirit, and we become members of

His spiritual body. Because Christ is now living out His life

through us (Gal. 2:20), we want to do whatever He asks of us.

Have you received the baptism that makes us Christians?

Monday



February 21

THE BAPTISM THAT PROCLAIMS US CHRISTIANS (Rom.

6:3-5).

When believers are baptized, what truth are they pro-

claiming they believe? Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 15:1-4.

Water baptism declares to the church and the world that the

candidates have received Christ as Saviour and Lord. As they

enter the waters of baptism, they are declaring, "I believe that

Jesus Christ died for my sins, rose again, and lives in heaven as

my Mediator." (See 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1; Heb. 8:1, 2.)

Water baptism declares that the candidate enjoys an ex-

perience. What experience? Gal. 2:20; 3:27 (compare 2 Cor.

5:17; Rom. 6:11, 18, 22).

Each candidate for water baptism declares to the church

and the world: "I believe that Christ has given me His presence

by the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, I have died to sin, have

buried the old life, and have risen to new life in Christ."

Baptizing people when the old sinful life is still ruling is

tantamount to burying them alive. Before baptism, the old

sinful life must die with Christ; then the born-again believer is

raised to "newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). Water baptism drama-

tizes the burial of the old life that has died and resurrection to

new life with Christ.

What resolve does the baptismal candidate publicly ex-

press? Phil. 3:13, 14; Heb. 12:1, 2 (compare Luke 9:62; 2 Peter

2:20).

The public resolve of the baptismal candidate is, "By Christ's

grace, I resolve to press on toward total victory over sin, allow-

ing Christ to complete in my heart that work He has so well

begun." (See 1 Peter 1:15, 16.)

Baptism is not some kind of initiation rite. It is a public

avowal that the Holy Spirit has initiated the believer into

fellowship with Jesus Christ. When Jesus asks you to enter

into the experience of water baptism as a public testimony of

faith in Him, are you willing to respond positively? (See

Mark 16:16.)

Tuesday



February 22

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED? (John 3:5).

Does the Bible teach that infants should be baptized? Is

baptism for adults only?

What did Jesus command in regard to baptism? John

3:5;

Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:16.

Jesus commanded those who believe in Him to receive

water baptism. And He commanded believers, having taught

others the gospel, to baptize them (Matt. 28:19). Water bap-

tism is practiced by the church because Jesus asked us to

practice it. He said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever

command you" (John 15:14). You are not one of Jesus' friends

if you refuse to follow His commands.

In references to baptism in the book of Acts, who are

mentioned as the ones baptized?

Acts 2:41



Acts 8:12,13



Acts 8:36-38



Acts 9:17, 18



Acts 10:47, 48



Infant baptism is not taught anywhere in Scripture. The

New Testament records that people are baptized in water be-

cause they have already been born of the Holy Spirit. But the

spiritual significance of the new-birth experience was gradu-

ally de-emphasized in the early church, and the performance

of rites and ceremonies as a means of attempting to earn God's

grace became more common. Thus it was incorrectly assumed

that baptism is the act by which candidates are born of the

Spirit. The next step was infant baptism. There is no evidence

of infant baptism in the Christian church before the last quar-

ter of the second century A.D. It was not a general practice

until the fifth century.

In light of the biblical explanation of water baptism, why

is infant baptism ruled out?

Wednesday



February 23

WHAT IS THE BIBLE METHOD OF BAPTISM? (Matt. 3:13-17).

Was baptism in Jesus' day and the apostolic era performed

by sprinkling, pouring, or by placing the candidate under

the water (immersion)? Study the following passages:

Matt. 3:13-17



John 3:23



Acts 8:36-39



The two Greek verbs meaning "to baptize" used in the New

Testament

(baptizo

and

bapto)

both mean "to dip" or "to im-

merse." When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, He was

dipped under the water; it was baptism by immersion. John

baptized at Aenon because "there was much water there" (John

3:23). He would not have needed much water for sprinkling or

pouring. Philip and the Ethiopian both went down into the

water and came up out of the water (Acts 8:38, 39).

To what is baptism likened in Scripture? Col. 2:12 (com-

pare Rom. 6:3-5).

The only method of baptism that adequately illustrates its

meaning is baptism by immersion. Paul spoke of believers

"having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him

through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from

the dead" (Col. 2:12, NIV). Just as Jesus died, was buried, and

rose again, so believers have died to sin (Col. 3:3). Then they

are buried in the water of baptism and raised to new life in

Christ. Only baptism by immersion could adequately illustrate

that experience. The New Testament knows of no other method

by which believers were baptized. The earliest Christian churches

had baptismal tanks in which the candidates were immersed

in the water.

You may ask the person with whom you are studying,

"Are you willing to be baptized in the same way Jesus was?"

Even though He was spiritually perfect, He was baptized "to

fulfil all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). To set us an example,

Jesus was baptized by immersion. Now He asks you to fol-

low His steps by being baptized in the same manner. Are

you ready to do that?"

Thursday



February 24

THE BAPTISM THAT TESTS US AS CHRISTIANS (Matt.

20:20-23).

What baptism did Jesus predict for His disciples? Matt.

20:20-23.

It is a mistake to imagine that once you have given your

heart to Christ life will be rosy and unruffled. Jesus never

promised that. For His disciples, Jesus predicted suffering and

death. Paul stated that "we must through much tribulation

enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Peter urged Christian

believers to rejoice at being permitted to suffer for Christ's

sake (1 Peter 4:12-14). The evil one is seeking to destroy our

faith. He will use any means he can devise to drive us away

from Christ. He will work through human beings, some of

whom may be friends and relatives, to deprecate our religious

faith and drive us back to our former lost state.

The promises of the Lord to protect us from evil in the midst

of such trial and persecution are really wonderful. He says, "I

will be with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt.

28:20, NIV). "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb.

13:5, NKJV). The Bible teaches that nothing happens to us for

which God has not made provision. (See Rom. 8:28.) When we

are tempted to give in, we have the assurance, He "is able to

keep you from falling" (Jude 24). And when we fall, He is able

to restore us. (See Gal. 6:1.)

What should be our attitude when our faith is tested?

1 Peter 4:12-16. What is awaiting the believer who by faith in

Christ endures the test? Rom. 8:18 (compare 2 Tim. 2:12; Matt.

10:32, 33).

Christians who walk by faith in Jesus, allowing Him to

direct their lives and give them righteousness and peace, have

the thrilling assurance of present salvation in Christ (John 3:36)

and a place in the heavenly kingdom (Matt. 25:46). There is no

comparison between the sufferings of the present time and the

happiness and peace that Christ is preparing for those who

trust Him. Even in the midst of trial Jesus wants each of us to

have peace unlimited. (See John 16:24; 17:13.)

Will you commit yourself to remaining true to Christ de-

spite the baptism of tribulation that will come to you?

Friday



February 25

FURTHER STUDY: Study other passages in Acts that refer to

baptism. What do they tell us about the candidates for bap-

tism? Acts 16:14, 15, 31-33; 18:8. When is rebaptism necessary?

Acts 19:1-7.

Read "The Baptism,"

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 109-113.

"The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of

God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer—how the human

voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find accep-

tance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from

heaven, and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has con-

nected it again with the sphere of glory. His love has encircled

man, and reached the highest heaven. The light which fell

from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will fall

upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice

which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, 'This is my

beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.'

"—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 113.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How can you make the baptisms in your church more

meaningful to the candidates and their loved ones?

What can you and your church do to provide more fel-

lowship for new church members who need to feel part

of the church family?

The Bible teaches the great importance of baptism. Why

then did Paul thank God that he had baptized only a

few? (See 1 Cor. 1:12-17; compare John 4:1-3).

In the light of the lessons so far, what steps would you

take to lead a person to the point of asking for baptism?

SUMMARY: The baptism that makes us Christians precedes

the baptism that proclaims us Christians. Water baptism does

not make Christians; it publicly declares that the candidates

have previously received Christ as Saviour and Lord. The Bible

teaches that believers in Christ should be baptized by immer-

sion. Through the baptism of tribulation that comes in one way

or another to all believers, Christ has promised His sustaining

presence. The kingdom of glory awaits the victor.

Sabbath Afternoon

Lesson 10



February 27-March 5

What Is the Value of

Fellowship?

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Acts 2:42-47; 2 Cor. 8:1-7;

Phil. 1:3-5; 2:1-5; 1 John 1:3, 6, 7.

MEMORY TEXT: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in

the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the

blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John

1:7, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

Unless new church members receive spirit-

ual nurture, they may soon leave the church. A vital part of

this nurture involves fellowship with others who are enjoying

fellowship with Christ.

WHY DON'T THEY STAY?

Why do new members some-

times leave the church after a short time? Sometimes blame is

attributed to the evangelist or the person who gave the Bible

studies. Often the new member has never felt fully accepted

into the church family. There is a tendency for the established

members to form a club that the new member cannot break

into. Established church members may give attention to their

circle of friends, forgetting that the new member feels like a

pauper in the palace.

Another factor is that, because new members have only just

begun to grow, sometimes their lifestyles do not entirely con-

form to those practices accepted by established members. Be-

fore the new members have settled into an entirely new church

home, they are made to feel like prodigals, and the result is a

tragic loss of souls.

Sunday



February 27

FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST (1 John 1:3, 6, 7).

What is the relationship between fellowship with Christ

and fellowship with other believers? 1 John 1:3, 6, 7.

A man in his thirties, a single parent, accepted Christ and

the Advent message, was baptized, and joined the church.

Each week he went to church with his small son, but the

church members gave them little attention. His emotional needs

and those of his little boy were sadly ignored. He came and

went each week hardly noticed. Instead of inviting him to their

homes and taking a genuine interest in his son, church mem-

bers generally ignored them. Soon he stopped attending church,

and before long he was no longer a participating member.

"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have

fellowship with one another" (1 John 1:7, RSV). If we are not

enjoying fellowship with one another, someone is not walking

in the light. Are church members who ignore the needs of

other church members walking in the light?

Fellowship with Christ involves fellowship with others who

are filled with the Spirit. The Spirit in one heart responds to the

Spirit in another heart, and believers contribute to one another's

happiness and spiritual growth.

What does Christ wish to share with us? Phil. 3:8-11; Heb.

10:32-36.

The Greek word translated "fellowship" (Phil. 3:10 and

1 John 1:3, 6, 7) is

koinonia,

used 20 times in the New Testa-

ment. It has a number of related meanings: association, com-

munion, fellowship, close relationship, generosity, fellow-

feeling, gift, participation, sharing. The idea of sharing is in-

separable from the idea of fellowship. Jesus shares His righ-

teousness with us when we believe in Him (Phil. 3:9). He

wants us to "share his sufferings" (Phil. 3:10, RSV)—not be-

cause there is some morbid reason why we should suffer, but

because suffering and sacrifice are inevitable if others are to be

saved. This is why Paul commended the believers for entering

into the sufferings of others (Heb. 10:32, 33).

In what ways does your fellowship with Christ result in

sharing with others?

Monday



February 28

FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS (Phil. 2:1-5).

What does "fellowship of the Spirit" (Phil. 2:1) do for

Christian believers? Phil. 2:1-5.

A missionary reports that in one part of his mission field

almost the entire membership of the church, involving hun-

dreds of people, was replaced over a seven-year period. The

former members did not all die or move away; many left the

church, and new members took their places. Why? One reason

was that the former members were not adequately nurtured. It

is one thing to bring large numbers into the church, but quite

another thing to provide them the spiritual sustenance to help

them grow spiritually.

If we all apply the principles taught in Philippians 2:1-5,

each church member will contribute to the spiritual health of

fellow church members. There will be unity of love and belief.

Humility and generosity will reign supreme. No one will feel

exalted above his or her brothers and sisters.

Paul's counsel in verse 4 is translated by the RSV: "Let each

of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the

interests of others." This happens when believers have the

mind of Christ (verse 5) by the presence of the Holy Spirit in

their hearts (verse 1).

What is the place of sharing in the lives of Christian church

members? Heb. 13:16; 2 Cor. 1:3-7.

Paul's counsel is not fulfilled only by giving generous offer-

ings. People have spiritual and emotional needs. They are

craving friendship, understanding, someone willing to listen

and offer a word of encouragement.

Paul in prison thanked God for His comfort, "so that we

may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with

the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God"

(2 Cor. 1:4, RSV). Christ's blessings are not to be received and

stored up in our hearts to the exclusion of those in need

around us. Christ blesses us so that we can bless others.

In what ways do you think you can be more directly in-

volved in providing fellowship for the brothers and sisters

of your local church?

Tuesday



March 1

SMALL GROUP FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42-47).

How did Jesus demonstrate His respect for the effective-

ness of small-group fellowship? Matt. 9:10-13; 18:20; Luke

24:15, 32.

Jesus trained His 12 disciples by living with them, teaching

them privately, and demonstrating for them how to teach

publicly. This was small-group fellowship of the first order.

God Himself was the teacher and the binding influence in the

group.

There are a number of examples in the Gospels in which

Jesus visited the homes of the people and ate with them. He

was an occasional guest in the home of Mary, Martha, and

Lazarus of Bethany (Luke 10:38-42); He visited the home of

Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5); and He ate in the homes of publicans

and sinners (Matt. 9:10). Small-group fellowship was an

important part of Jesus' ministry. After His resurrection He

fellowshiped with His mourning disciples (Luke 24:15, 32;

John 20:19-23), offering encouragement, reassurance, and the

power of His Spirit.

How effective were the small-group fellowships de-

veloped in the early Christian church? Acts 1:13, 14; 2:42-47;

12:12-16.

The early Christians often met in homes. In fact, the first

churches were home churches. (See Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19;

Col. 4:15.) Believers ate together, prayed together, shared

their sorrows and joys with one another, and shared their

material blessings with those who had need. In our next

lesson we will study how small-group fellowships can be an

effective means of spiritual nurture, as well as evangelistic

outreach.

Prayer meetings and Bible studies are a great blessing

when the group is small. Informal sharing of convictions and

concerns provides members of the group with a much-needed

emotional outlet and spiritual uplift. Many church members

who will never speak in a larger group are more likely to open

their hearts in the relaxed atmosphere of a home fellowship.

Would you like to be part of a small-group fellowship?

What steps can you take to make this possible?

Wednesday



March 2

FELLOWSHIP IN GIVING (2 Cor. 8:1-7).

How did the apostle Paul describe the generosity of the

believers in Macedonia? 2 Cor. 8:1-7.

The New International Version translates verse 4: "They

urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this

service to the saints." The Greek speaks of "the fellowship of

the service which was for the saints." The word

koinonia

may

be translated "fellowship," "contribution," "sharing." Though

poor, the Macedonian believers entreated earnestly "for the

favor of taking part in the relief of the saints" (verse 4, RSV) in

Jerusalem. Here is a classic example of the fellowship of

giving. Believers in one part of the world regarded it as a great

privilege to give to distant fellow believers who were perfect

strangers. Why? Because "the grace of God" (verse 1) con-

strained them to contribute.

What motivated the Macedonians to give so generously?

Rom. 15:26, 27; Phil. 4:14, 15. What counsel should lead us to

imitate their generosity? Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:6.

Fellowship, or partnership in giving, is much needed in the

church today. It is reported that there are thousands of

Adventist believers in some parts of the world who cannot

afford a Sabbath School quarterly, and the church administra-

tion does not have the money to provide them. Hymnbooks

and Bibles are in short supply in some areas. In several

countries our church members are struggling financially.

Their efforts to provide schools for their children are ham-

pered by insufficient funds. The fellowship of giving by

church members in both home fields and mission fields will

do much to alleviate the burdens.

The church is facing unprecedented opportunities to preach

the gospel around the world. People are hungry for the

message. What a tragedy if we should lose the opportunity to

meet the need because of insufficient funds! We pray that the

Lord will be able to inspire those with means to facilitate the

work in these countries.

To what extent are you involved in the fellowship of giv-

ing? What more can you do to assist the church in taking the

gospel to all the world?

Thursday



March 3

FELLOWSHIP IN MINISTRY (Phil. 1:3-5).

Why was the apostle Paul especially grateful for the work

of Philippian church members? Phil. 1:3-5; 4:3.

Church members worked with Paul in the great task of

making Christ known. Fellowship in ministry involves coop-

eration with our church pastors. Alone, they can never finish

the work. They need the help of church members in (1)

visiting the sick; (2) working for the youth; (3) giving Bible

studies; (4) opening their homes for group Bible studies; (5)

meeting some of the communities' needs.

For example, one church in California conducts a day-care

center, a bakery, and a medical clinic. The church members

work closely with the pastors to provide services for the

inner-city community. Only because of fellowship in ministry

is it possible to conduct such outreach ministry. The result is

rapid growth in membership. Such unselfish service has

attracted people to the church who otherwise would not have

been interested and would not have attended evangelistic

meetings.

How may every believer be involved in the fellowship of

ministry? Gal. 6:2, 10.

"Every soul is to minister. He is to use every physical,

moral and mental power, through sanctification of the Spirit,

that he may be a laborer together with God. All are bound to

devote themselves actively and unreservedly to God's service.

They are to cooperate with Jesus Christ in the great work of

helping others. Christ died for every man. He has ransomed

every man by giving His life on the cross. This He did that man

might no longer live an aimless, selfish life, but that he might

live unto Jesus Christ, who died for his salvation. All are not

called upon to enter the ministry, but nevertheless, they are to

minister. It is an insult to the Holy Spirit of God for any man to

choose a life of self-serving. Ministry means not only the study

of books and preaching. It means service."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 4, p. 1159.

Bearing others' burdens is a delicate way to win their love

and loyalty to Christ. Can you describe how you have found

joy in this kind of ministry?

Friday



March 4

FURTHER STUDY:

Consider the sacrifice Jesus made to enter

into fellowship with us: Heb. 2:14-18. Note the blessed privi-

lege that is ours: 1 Peter 4:12-14.

Read "A Message of Warning and Entreaty,"

The Acts of the

Apostles,

pp. 298, 299.

"You are not to come together simply as a matter of form,

but for the interchange of thought, for the relation of your

daily experiences, for the expression of thanksgiving, for the

utterance of your sincere desire for divine enlightenment, that

you may know God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.

Communing together in regard to Christ will strengthen the

soul for life's trials and conflicts. Never think that you can be

Christians and yet withdraw yourselves within yourselves.

Each one is a part of the great web of humanity, and the

experience of each will be largely determined by the experi-

ence of his associates."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 362.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

A young woman visits your church for the first time

wearing heavy makeup, large earrings, and slacks.

What should be your attitude to her?

A newly baptized brother is sick in the hospital. When

you visit him, you find him smoking. How should you

relate to him?

You are invited to have lunch at the home of a new

member of your church. The meal includes meat, which

you feel you cannot eat. How do you decline without

creating embarrassment and hurting the feelings of the

hostess?

SUMMARY:

If new members of the church are to remain, they

must be absorbed into the fellowship of the church family.

They must be given the opportunity to grow as they fellow-

ship with Christ and with other believers.

.., 0 II

•

Lesson 11



March 6-12

How Can Every Member

Be Active for Christ?

et.Or

ktitatei"'

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

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Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Acts 20:20; 1 Corinthians

12; Rev. 18:1-4.

MEMORY TEXT: "Now you are the body of Christ and

individually members of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

The final great outpouring of the Holy

Spirit will occur when believers are allowing the Spirit to em-

ploy their spiritual gifts for the salvation of souls.

"THE GREAT OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD,

which lightens the whole earth with His glory [Rev. 18:1], will

not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by

experience what it means to be laborers together with God.

When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the serv-

ice of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of

His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the

largest portion of the church are not laborers together with

God."—Christian Service,

p. 253.

"If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit [Eph.

5:18-20]. Wherever the need of the Holy Spirit is a matter little

thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual darkness,

spiritual declension and death. Whenever minor matters oc-

cupy the attention, the divine power which is necessary for the

growth and prosperity of the church, and which would bring

all other blessings in its train, is lacking, though offered in

infinite plenitude."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 50.

Sunday



March 6

SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR ALL (1 Cor. 12:1-26).

What are spiritual gifts? Why are they given? List the

spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

As mentioned in this passage and related passages, spir-

itual gifts are special endowments the Holy Spirit bestows

upon believers. (Compare Rom. 12:3-11; Eph. 4:7-16; 1 Peter

4:9-11.) Spiritual gifts are not the same as the talents with

which one was born or that have been developed over time.

Yet spiritual gifts enhance natural talents so that the believer

can do a specific work for Christ. The Lord uses people of

varied talents and temperaments and bestows upon them

spiritual endowments to be used for the spiritual upbuilding

of His "body"—the Christian church.

Some are given special wisdom, others knowledge, or faith.

Obviously every believing Christian has a measure of wis-

dom, knowledge, and faith. But Paul is speaking of additional

endowments, involving specialized abilities, enabling God's

people to make distinctive contributions to the upbuilding of

His kingdom. (Compare Rom. 12:3-8.)

Why should all members of the church feel needed and

valuable whatever their spiritual gift(s) may be? 1 Cor. 12:12-

26.

Not only are all believers different in personality and

talents but also they have different spiritual gifts. The result is

a church that, like a human body, is made up of many vitally

important functional parts. If one part does not fulfill its God-

given function, the whole body suffers. The doctrine of

spiritual gifts is designed to teach that the church's spiritual

life and outreach to the world are dependent on all members

using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given them.

What is your spiritual gift? The Holy Spirit is the only one

qualified to tell you. Human opinions are often helpful, but

not definitive. The Lord will reveal your gift(s) as you pray

and devote yourself to His service. The Spirit qualifies those

willing to work for souls. Your special qualifications will

become apparent as you involve yourself in some kind of

ministry for others.

Monday



March 7

THE ROLE OF THE CLERGY (1 Cor. 12:27-31).

Which of the spiritual gifts listed by Paul qualify people

for pastoral leadership in the church? 1 Cor. 12:27-31; Rom.

12:3-8.

Paul does not separate spiritual gifts for clergy from spirit-

ual gifts for laity. As we observed in a previous lesson, the

clergy are part of the people of God, not separate from them

or superior to them. But some of the spiritual gifts are

designed for specialized ministries of the kind conducted by

spiritual leaders of the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists,

pastors, teachers, healers, and administrators.

What is the purpose of the gifts bestowed upon these

spiritual leaders? Eph. 4:11-16.

The purpose is not that clergy are to do all the work while

the laity relax in spiritual apathy. The Spirit's gifts are "to

equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the

body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and

of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to

the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph. 4:12,

13, RSV). Those with specialized gifts are to train church

members to conduct the work of ministry. The gifts of the

clergy are to be employed in training others to use their

spiritual gifts.

Ministry is the work of the entire church—not just the

clergy. The result of ministry is to be spiritual growth for the

church, Christlikeness for each church member.

But the result is even more far-reaching. When church

members employ their spiritual gifts in ministry, the clergy

will have more time to fulfill their calling—the equipping of

the saints and the evangelizing of unentered territories. "In-

stead of keeping the ministers at work for the churches that

already know the truth, let the members of the churches say to

these laborers: 'Go work for souls that are perishing in

darkness. We ourselves will carry forward the services of the

church.'"—Evangelism, p. 382.

Do you feel that you are equipped for ministry? What

kind of ministry makes the best use of your distinctive spirit-

ual gift(s)?

Tuesday



March 8

SMALL-GROUP EVANGELISM (Acts 20:20).

What do the following passages have to say about small

groups of worshiping Christians?

Acts 16:40



Acts 20:20



1 Cor. 16:19



Col. 4:15



"The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian

effort is a plan that has been presented before me by One who

cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the

members be formed into small companies, to work not only for

the church members but for unbelievers

also."—Evangelism,

115.

"On such occasions as our annual camp meetings we must

never lose sight of the opportunities afforded for teaching the

believers how to do practical missionary work in the place

where they may live. In many instances it would be well to set

apart certain men to carry the burden of different lines of

educational work at these meetings."—Testimonies, vol. 9, pp.

82, 83.

"Let the teachers in our schools devote Sunday to mission-

ary effort. Let them take the students with them to hold meet-

ings for those who know not the truth. Sunday can be used for

carrying forward various lines of work that will accomplish

much for the Lord. On this day house-to-house work can be

done. Open-air meetings and cottage meetings can be held."

—Counsels to Parents and Teachers,

p. 551.

Small-Group Outreach

(Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald,

1991). Kurt Johnson describes an effective program of small-

group evangelism. The author explains how to begin small

groups in a local church, how to conduct them, and how to use

them for soul-winning. Groups proving effective are: (1) shar-

ing/prayer group; (2) Bible-study group; (3) nurture (covenant)

group; (4) support group; (5) outreach (mission) group, and (6)

house group. The book describes the functions of these groups.

Johnson's book concludes: "Why not bow your head in

prayer right now and ask God to reveal how you can be a part

of His vision for His remnant people?"—Page 90.

Wednesday



March 9

SABBATH SCHOOL NURTURE AND EVANGELISM (Rom.

15:1-6).

What primary goals for our Sabbath Schools are suggested

by the following Bible passages?

Acts 16:13-15



Rom. 15:1-6



Heb. 3:13



Heb. 4:11,12



Heb. 10:23-25



"It was in 1852, eight years after the first group of

Sabbathkeeping Adventists was formed (in Washington, New

Hampshire) that SDA Sabbath school work began. . . . At that

time the leaders were focusing their attention on establishing

the church members in the

faith."—Seventh-day Adventist Ency-

clopedia,

Commentary Reference Series, vol. 10, p. 1122.

Since then, Sabbath Schools have been established through-

out the world with the specific intent of applying the Bible

counsel for believers to meet regularly for mutual spiritual

edification. Note the major goals of Sabbath School indicated

by inspired counsel (see

Counsels on Sabbath School Work):

Small-group Bible study as a means of spiritual nurture.

Equiping believers with the necessary Bible knowledge and

inspiration for sharing their faith with others.

Providing instruction for visitors not of our faith.

Inspiring Sabbath School members to pray and contribute

means for the church's worldwide mission program.

Mutual encouragement of believers who, concerned for one

another and for those not of our faith, constitute a spiritual

support group. Believers can relate to the joys and trials of

others in their group.

Various methods of organizing and conducting Sabbath School

are being applied around the world. One method that has

proved effective in some areas as an evangelistic outreach

program is that described by Calvin Smith in his book,

Church

Growth Through Sabbath School Action Units

(General Confer-

ence of Seventh-day Adventists, 12501 Old Columbia Pike,

Silver Spring, MD 20904, 1991).

Thursday



March 10

THE SECOND PENTECOST (Rev. 18:1-4).

What conditions do these passages give for the reception

of the Holy Spirit (the former and latter rains)?

Acts 1:14; Zech. 10:1



"The circumstances may seem to be favorable for a rich

outpouring of the showers of grace. But God Himself must

command the rain to fall. Therefore we should not be remiss in

supplication. We are not to trust to the ordinary working of

providence. We must pray that God will unseal the fountain of

the water of

life."—Testimonies to Ministers,

p. 509.

Acts 2:38, 39; 3:19



"Today you are to have your vessel purified, that it may be

ready for the heavenly dew, ready for the showers of the latter

rain; for the latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will

fill every soul that is purified from every defilement."—Evan-

gelism, p. 702.

Acts 4:32



"Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect

unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place,

that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All

differences had been put

away."—Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 20.

Acts 1:8; 22:15



"The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord

for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul-

saving. . . . They were weighted with the burden of the salva-

tion of souls."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 37.

How will God's work in the earth be finished? Rev. 18:1-4.

"The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third

angel's message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory.

... The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost.

As the 'former rain' was given, in the outpouring of the

Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the

upspringing of the precious seed, so the 'latter rain' will be

given at its close for the ripening of the harvest."—The

Great

Controversy,

p. 611.

Friday



March 11

FURTHER STUDY: On the promised outpouring of the Holy

Spirit, study the following passages: Joel 2:23, 28-32; Hosea 6:3;

10:12; John 14:16-23, 26; 16:7-15; Luke 24:49.

Read "Pray for the Latter Rain" in

Testimonies to Ministers,

pp. 506-512.

"As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to

germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is

given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process

of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the

completion of the work of God's grace in the soul. By the

power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be

perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed

into the likeness of Christ.

"The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the spirit-

ual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of

man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life;

the green blade will not spring

up."—Testimonies

to Ministers,

p. 506.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Can your Sabbath School class become an effective soul-

winning unit? If so, what steps should you take to de-

velop such a program?

What other kinds of small group could be developed in

your church? Would you be willing to open your home

for one of these groups?

What does your spiritual gift have to do with the kind of

outreach group to which you should belong?

Do you have neighbors who might enjoy participating

in a small group in your home? How would you go

about starting such a group?

How does the ultimate gift of the latter rain coincide

with the use of spiritual gifts? Will we receive the latter

rain if we fail to use our gifts now?

SUMMARY: Every member of the church has at least one

spiritual gift—the Holy Spirit's special endowment for service.

When every member of the church is willing to use his or her

gift for Christ, there will be great spiritual revival. One effec-

tive way in which spiritual gifts may be used is in small groups

designed for Bible study, witnessing, sharing, and fellowship.

Lesson 12



March 13-20

How Did Christians

Witness Through the Ages?

Sabbath Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Rev. 2:1-3:22.

MEMORY TEXT: "Remember then from what you have

fallen, repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I

will come to you and remove your lampstand from its

place, unless you repent" (Rev. 2:5, RSV).

KEY THOUGHT:

Immediately after Jesus' death and resur-

rection, the church presented a faithful witness to the world

that is to be emulated by believers today.

SPIRITUAL DECLINE FOLLOWED BY SPIRITUAL RE-

VIVAL AND REFORMATION.

In the apostolic era, Christian

believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, were consumed by the

desire to reflect Christ's character to the world. His sacrifice,

His righteousness and salvation, and His promised return were

the subjects that absorbed their attention and formed the heart

of their proclamation.

As time went by and Christ did not come, Christians rein-

terpreted the gospel in accordance with their own philosophi-

cal interests. The New Testament message was blurred, and

apostasy was the result. The sixteenth-century Reformation

began a process that has been hampered by the unwillingness

of popular churches to accept fully the apostolic ideal. The

Advent movement is a revival of that ideal, designed to present

the true gospel worldwide. Spiritual decline in the Christian

church generally will be met by spiritual revival in the rem-

nant church.

Sunday



March 13

WITNESS IN THE APOSTOLIC ERA (Rev. 2:1-7).

What attitude to witnessing did the earliest Christians

adopt?

Rev. 2:2, 3



Phil. 1:3-7



Col. 1:3-8



In His message to John on Patmos, Jesus cited the faithful-

ness of the Ephesian church (Eph. 1:15) as an example of the

faithfulness of the church in the apostolic era. The earliest

Christians understood the gospel as the story of Christ's death

and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-4), and the spiritual transforma-

tion available to believers (Gal. 2:16; 3:1-3; Col. 1:27; Eph. 3:14-

21.) This message was proclaimed in public and in private

with such earnestness that "to every nation under heaven the

gospel was carried in a single generation."—The

Ministry of

Healing,

p. 141.

"In every city the work was carried forward. Souls were

converted, who in their turn felt that they must tell of the

inestimable treasure they had received. They could not rest till

the light which had illumined their minds was shining upon

others."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 579, 580.

What difficulties arose in the first-century Christian church

that tended to blunt the effectiveness of the church's witness

for Christ? Rev. 2:2, 4-6.

The church was troubled by false apostles—would-be

leaders claiming that God had given them special messages for

the church. They were, in fact, motivated by the desire for

personal notoriety (verse 2). Moreover, the church was af-

flicted by the influence of unfaithful members called "Nicolaitans"

(verse 6). The same class was later identified with the apostasy

of Balaam (verses 14, 15). As was Balaam, so these people were

guilty of covetousness, hypocrisy, idolatry, and immorality.

(See Numbers 22-24.) The first love of the believers tended to

wane.

What influences within the church today tend to spoil the

effectiveness of the church's witness?

Monday



March 14

WITNESS IN THE POST-APOSTOLIC ERA (Rev. 2:8-17).

What was one of the ways Christians witnessed for Christ

in the immediate post-apostolic period? Rev. 2:8-11.

In most instances, second- and third-century Christians were

poor in this world's goods. They were obliged to witness for

Christ at a time when Christianity was regarded as an illegal

religion. They suffered periodic persecution from the imperial

Roman power, as well as from local opponents.

The period of church history represented by the church of

Smyrna is the immediate post-apostolic period from the end of

the first century to the end of the Diocletian persecution.

Diocletian's persecuting edicts were enforced for ten years,

A. D. 303-313. (See Rev. 2:10, RSV, "For ten days [years] you

will have tribulation.")

"The sufferings which they endured brought Christians nearer

to one another and to their Redeemer. Their living example

and dying testimony were a constant witness for the truth; and

where least expected, the subjects of Satan were leaving his

service and enlisting under the banner of Christ."—The

Great

Controversy,

p. 42.

What were the circumstances under which Christians were

obliged to witness for Christ during the fourth and fifth

centuries? Rev. 2:12-17.

The period of church history represented by the church of

Pergamum began with Constantine's Edict of Milan (A.D. 313)

that gave Christianity full legal equality with any other reli-

gion in the Roman world. Because Constantine professed con-

version to Christianity, it became popular to become a Chris-

tian. In the period that followed (A.D. 313-538) the medieval

papacy rose to power. In this period the church accepted

numerous perversions of Bible teaching. It is difficult for

believers to witness in times of persecution, but even more

difficult in times of popularity and prosperity. (See

The Great

Controversy,

pp. 49, 50.)

How do popularity and materialism affect the church to-

day? Can you suggest ways for the church to counteract the

negative results of prosperity?

Tuesday



March 15

WITNESS IN THE MIDDLE AGES (Rev. 2:18-29).

What encouragement did the Lord give His true followers

during the darkest period of church history—the Middle

Ages? Rev. 2:18, 19, 24-28. What severe warning did He give

to those who rejected Bible truth? Verses 20-23.

The church of Thyatira represented the Christian church

during the period A.D. 538 to 1517. In this period church and

state were combined. Europe became known as the "Christian

Republic." Although maintaining national sovereignty, Euro-

pean countries were loyal to the official state church. The

church dictated to secular authorities regarding religious

matters, and secular authorities enforced the decrees of the

church.

Although the Bible was studied during this period, large

numbers of people were denied access to it. Citizens were

forced to accept official interpretations of Scripture and reli-

gious tradition. Because the church's priests usurped the place

of Christ as Mediator between God and humankind, the sepa-

ration of clergy from laity was accepted as standard church

practice. The clergy were regarded as spiritually superior. Their

dictates were accepted by church members, and their celebra-

tion of the sacraments was regarded as essential to salvation.

Many refused to accept the demands of the established church

and, cherishing the Bible, witnessed for Christ, despite the dire

consequences. The Waldenses were one such group. In various

European countries they witnessed, sometimes secretly, some-

times publicly. Although fiercely persecuted, they preserved

their commitment to Christ and His Word and demonstrated

for all time that physical suffering need not crush spiritual life.

(See "The Waldenses," in

The Great Controversy,

pp. 61-78.)

John Wycliffe (c. 1330-1384), "the morning star of the Refor-

mation," stood bravely for the truth in England and trained a

group of witnesses called Lollards. They distributed copies of

the Bible that Wycliffe and others had translated into English

and influenced a large proportion of the population for Bible

truth.

Likewise, John Huss (c. 1372-1415) and his followers, influ-

enced by Wycliffe's teachings, preached salvation through Christ

in fourteenth-century Bohemia. Huss was burned at the stake

in 1415, but his testimony, and that of his followers, could not

be destroyed.

Wednesday



March 16

WITNESS IN THE REFORMATION ERA (Rev. 3:1-6).

What marred the Christian witness of believers in the

period of church history represented by the church of Sardis?

Rev. 3:1-3.

The church of Sardis represents the transitional period of

Christian church history, from the beginning of the sixteenth-

century Reformation (1517) to the beginning of the modern era

(1798). Because of the Reformation's influence, the power of

the medieval state church was broken in many countries of

Europe. But it remained intact in some countries until the late

eighteenth century.

The great European sixteenth-century Reformers—Luther,

Calvin, and Zwingli—and leading English Reformers—Cranmer,

Latimer, and Ridley—taught salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.

They rejected the medieval idea that human works contribute

to the level of one's salvation standing with God. Christ's

grace alone was recognized as the means of salvation. (See

Eph. 2:8-10.)

Unfortunately, the Reformers and their followers were not

united doctrinally or spiritually. Because the Protestant church

splintered badly, the effectiveness of Christian witness was seri-

ously undermined. The Lord addressed believers in the Reforma-

tion and post-Reformation period: "I know your works; you have

the name of being alive, and you are dead" (Rev. 3:1, RSV). A

spiritually dead church cannot win souls. It can argue endlessly

about theology, but its outreach to the world is largely futile.

What does Christ offer as the solution for spiritual and

evangelistic inertia? Rev. 3:4-6.

Only the righteousness of Christ, received by faith, is the

answer to a spiritually ailing church. When we accept Christ's

perfect righteousness as counted for us (Rom. 4:22-25), when

we accept His perfect righteousness as bestowed upon us by

the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9, 10), we have the power and motiva-

tion for effective Christian witness.

"The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from

one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the

Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the

third

angel."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 19.

Thursday



March 17

WITNESS IN THE MODERN ERA (Rev. 3:7-22).

What special encouragement did the Lord give to the early

Adventists at the beginning of the modern period of church

history? Rev. 3:7-13.

After the French Revolution in the late eighteenth century,

the doctrine of the separation of church and state was accepted

in some countries of Western Europe. The newly independent

United States of America accepted the same principle. Now

the message of salvation by faith in Christ, combined with the

announcement of His second coming, was preached with re-

newed fervor. The first half of the nineteenth century wit-

nessed worldwide missionary endeavor and evangelistic out-

reach unseen since apostolic times.

This was the era of Joseph Wolff and William Miller. (See "A

Great Religious Awakening," in

The Great Controversy,

pp. 355-

374.) Because the early Adventists believed in the soon appear-

ing of Jesus, they gave the message with power.

After the disappointment of 1844, what spiritual condition

gradually crept into the developing remnant church? What is

the solution to the problem? Rev. 3:14-22.

Spiritual lukewarmness is damaging to evangelistic out-

reach. In some parts of the world, the church has become

comfortable and apathetic. The medieval idea of clergy as the

superior spiritual class contributes to the relative inactivity of

the laity. The work of soul-winning is left largely to pastors

and evangelists, while many church members look on as

uninvolved spectators.

"A revival and a reformation must take place, under the

ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are

two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual

life, a quickening of the power of mind and heart, a resurrec-

tion from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganiza-

tion, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Ref-

ormation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness

unless it is connected with the revival of the

Spirit."—Selected

Messages,

book 1, p. 128.

How would you suggest revival and reformation can be

brought to your local church?

Friday



March 18

FURTHER STUDY:

Study the following passages as they re-

late to the counsel to the Laodiceans (Rev. 3:18):

"Gold tried in the fire": 1 Peter 1:7-9, 18, 19; Gal. 5:6.

"White raiment": Rev. 3:4; 19:7, 8; Gal. 3:26, 27; Phil. 3:7-11.

"Eyesalve": Eph. 1:17, 18; 3:16-19; 1 John 2:27; 4:13.

Read "The Final Warning," in

The Great Controversy,

pp.

603-612.

"Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining

with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to pro-

claim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all

over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be

wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will

follow the believers. . . .

"The message will be carried not so much by argument as

by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. . . . Now the rays of

light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness,

and the honest children of God sever the bands which have

held them."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 612.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

List the reasons for the successful evangelistic outreach

to the world of the earliest Christians. How can we

apply first-century methods to our era?

Why is there a dynamic relationship between under-

standing the gospel and successful outreach to the world?

How would you describe the relationship between mes-

sage and mission? Illustrate from church history.

On the basis of Bible prophecy, what repetition of the

medieval situation do you anticipate in the modern era?

How should witnesses for Christ relate to this repeti-

tion of history?

SUMMARY:

In the history of the Christian church successful

soul-winning has been in direct relationship to the spiritual

condition of professed Christians. Disbelief and doctrinal

apostasy have been associated with failure to witness in

Christ's way. When, in the modern church, purity of faith

combines with evangelistic zeal, then church members will

unite to fulfill Jesus' great commission.

Lesson 13



March 20-26

What Is Christ's Last

Message to the World?

4ishigst..

Sabbath

Afternoon

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Revelation 14.

MEMORY TEXT: "And I saw another angel fly in the

midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach

unto them that dwell on the earth, to every nation, and

kindred, and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6).

KEY THOUGHT:

The mission of Christ's remnant church is

the proclamation of the gospel worldwide. Special end-time

features of the gospel are contained in the three angels' mes-

sages of Revelation 14:6-12.

CHRIST'S LAST MESSAGE TO THE WORLD

is con-

tained in Revelation 14. The chapter divides naturally into

three main sections. The first section (verses 1-5) depicts those

who received God's end-time seal, standing before God's throne

in heaven. The second section (verses 6-13) goes back to the

situation before the second coming of Jesus. This section pre-

sents the three messages to which believers respond before

they are sealed. The third section (verses 14-20) depicts the

second coming of Jesus, when those who were sealed are

translated to heaven and those who received the mark of the

beast are destroyed.

Those who accept the three angels' messages and live very

near to Jesus by prayer and Bible study will be among those

taken to heaven with Jesus when He returns. The purpose of

our witness to the world is to cooperate with Christ in prepar-

ing a people spiritually to meet Him at His advent.

Sunday



March 20

THE REWARD OF THOSE WHO RECEIVE THE END-TIME

SEAL OF GOD (Rev. 14:1-5).

Where are the sealed believers said to be standing? Rev.

14:1, 3; compare 15:2-4. When are the 144,000 sealed? Rev.

6:17-7:3. What is the seal they receive? Rev. 14:1.

In vision, John saw the sealed believers "on Mount Zion"

(Rev. 14:1, RSV). Mount Zion is in heaven: "But you have come

to Mount Zion . . . the heavenly Jerusalem" (Heb. 12:22, RSV;

compare Rev. 7:15). Revelation 14:1-5 depicts the scene of re-

joicing in heaven after the second coming of Jesus. (See John

14:1-3.)

God's last-day living believers are sealed

before

the second

coming of Jesus. Revelation 7:1-3 explains that the seal of God

is given before the winds of strife are let loose upon our world

prior to the second advent of Christ.

The seal that the 144,000 receive is the gift of God's charac-

ter by the Holy Spirit. They have "his name and his Father's

name written on their foreheads" (Rev. 14:1, RSV; compare

Rev. 3:12; 22:4). God's name and Christ's name are symbols of

their perfect character. (See Ps. 8:1; 18:49.) Christ's people re-

ceive His character by the gift of the Holy Spirit. (See Eph. 3:16-

19; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:7.) Even though the Holy Spirit has been

available to believers in every age, in a special measure He is

given to those who are sealed at the end of time, because they

need special power to overcome the "beast and his image"

(Rev. 13:11-18).

What are the character qualifications of those who receive

the end-time seal of God? Rev. 14:4, 5.

The sealed believers have resisted and overcome false reli-

gion. They "have not defiled themselves with women" (verse

4, RSV). An evil woman in prophecy represents false religion

(Rev. 17:4, 5). The sealed believers are honest, pure, and spirit-

ually faultless (Rev. 14:5), because Christ is reigning in their

hearts. Consequently, in the pre-advent judgment their names

are retained in the book of life (Rev. 3:5; Dan. 12:1).

How are you making spiritual preparation to receive the

end-time seal of God? How are you assisting others in their

preparation for this experience?

Monday



March 21

WHAT IS THE FIRST ANGEL'S MESSAGE? (Rev. 14:6, 7).

Identify the four major elements in the first angel's mes-

sage. Rev. 14:6, 7.

What is the "everlasting gospel"? The gospel is the good

news that Christ died for our sins and rose again (1 Cor. 15:1-

4). The gospel includes the good news that, because Christ

intercedes for us in the heavenly sanctuary, all our sins can be

forgiven (Acts 13:38, 39; 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1). The gospel also

includes the good news that Christ's perfect righteousness is

both counted for us (Rom. 4:22-25) and bestowed upon us by

the Holy Spirit (1 John 3:24; Col. 1:27; Gal. 3:3). The gospel

announces to the world that Christ is coming again to give

immortality to His faithful people and to translate them to His

heavenly kingdom (Matt. 24:13, 14).

What three truths are part of the gospel proclaimed by the

first angel? How do these truths relate to the gospel as de-

scribed above? Rev. 14:7.

How can we give glory to the infinitely glorious God? Jesus

gave glory to His Father by His life of sacrifice and service and

by His infinite suffering on the cross (John 17:4). Every be-

liever is to witness for Christ by reflecting the glory of His

character (John 17:22, 23).

What is the significance of the announcement, "the hour of

his judgment has come" (Rev. 14:7, RSV)? This announcement

is part of the "everlasting gospel" (verse 6). This judgment

takes place before the second coming of Jesus, because the

gospel is preached in all the world before He comes. Daniel

7:9-14 depicts the judgment in heaven before God destroys His

enemies and establishes the heavenly kingdom (verses 26, 27).

In this judgment, the faithful are vindicated (Dan. 7:22), and

the book of life is edited (Dan 12:1) on the basis of the spiritual

condition of professed believers (Rev. 3:5; 19:7, 8).

We "worship him who made heaven and earth" (Rev. 14:7,

RSV) by observing God's Sabbath day as a memorial of His

creative works. (See Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Ex. 31:13.)

How are you presenting this good news of the first angel's

message to others?

Tuesday



March 22

WHAT IS THE SECOND ANGEL'S MESSAGE? (Rev. 14:8;

18:1-4).

What modern power is designated as "Babylon"? Com-

pare Rev. 14:8 with Gen. 10:8-10; 11:1-9; Isa. 13:1-11.

Ancient Babylon founded by Nimrod became a symbol of

spiritual confusion and rejection of God. The neo-Babylonian

Empire, founded by Nebuchadnezzar in the late seventh cen-

tury B.C. (see Jer. 25:8-14), invaded Palestine three times (605,

597, 586 B.C.), taking the chosen people captive and finally

destroying Jerusalem. The Medes and Persians, ruled by Cyrus

the Great, conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. (See Isa. 44:28-45:6.)

The book of Revelation alludes to the historical events of the

late seventh and early sixth centuries B.C. as examples of events

that will occur toward the end of history. Modern Babylon is

the false religious system of the last days from which the Lord

calls those who wish to serve Him. "Babylon is fallen" means

that, because Babylon is alive and powerful, God's people are

to come closer to Christ lest they should be taken spiritually

captive. "Babylon" (Rev. 14:8) summarizes the three-fold reli-

gious union of the last days that opposes God's truth and

people. (See Rev. 13; 16:13.) Any church is part of modern

"Babylon" that teaches nonbiblical doctrines.

What final warning regarding Babylon does God inspire

His people to give to the world? Rev. 18:1-4.

"The time will come when those who love God supremely

can no longer remain in connection with such as are 'lovers of

pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof.'

"Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of

rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12, the church

will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second

angel, and the people of God still in Babylon will be called

upon to separate from her communion. This message is the last

that will ever be given to the world."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 390.

Does it help to tell members of other churches that they

are part of "Babylon"? What methods can you follow to per-

suade them to unite with the remnant church?

Wednesday



March 23

WHAT IS THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE? (Rev. 14:9-12).

What three forces must be successfully resisted by those

who will be saved when Jesus comes? Rev. 14:9.

Revelation 14:9 could be paraphrased: "Whoever worships

according to the dictates of 'Babylon' will not be saved." The

"beast" refers to the beast of Revelation 13:1-10. This animal is

a symbol of the medieval and modern papacy. The period of

42 prophetic months (Rev. 13:5), or 1260 days, symbolizes the

1260 years of papal supremacy (A.D. 538-1798). The deadly

wound (verse 3), received by the papacy in Europe at the end

of the French Revolution, has been healing progressively

throughout the twentieth century.

The "image" to the beast is formed by the second beast of

Revelation 13:11-18. A modern replica of the medieval church-

state union will enforce a man-made system of worship

worldwide. The heart of this system of worship will be the

"mark" of the beast (Rev. 13:16, 17), the most significant sign

of papal religion. The sign or mark of God's authority is the

seventh-day Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11; 31:13). The distinctive mark

of papal authority is the opposite—Sunday observance. On

the basis of Revelation 13, it is concluded that modern churches,

united with the papacy, will demand that secular authorities

around the world pass their decrees. God will exclude from

salvation anyone who, by accepting these religious decrees in

place of God's law, thus receives the mark of the beast.

What are the distinguishing characteristics of God's people

who reject the beast, its image, and its mark? Rev. 14:12.

The Bible teaches that salvation is by God's grace, given to

those who have faith. (See Eph. 2:8-10.) Works are not the

means of salvation. (See Rom. 3:20-24.) But works—obedience

to all of the Ten Commandments—are the expected and

inevitable result of faith in Christ. (See Rom. 3:31; 7:7; 8:3, 4;

Tames 2:10-12.)

How can you present the fearful warning of the third

angel's messsage so that it is clearly good news? What is the

positive message implied by the negative warning?

Thursday



March 24

THE REAPING OF THE HARVEST (Rev. 14:14-20).

How does John symbolize the salvation of believers at the

second coming of Jesus? Rev. 14:14-16.

The Son of man bearing the sickle in His hand is Christ,

symbolized in this passage as corning to reap a harvest. John's

description in Revelation reminds us of Jesus' parable of the

wheat and the tares (Matt. 13:24-30). Referring to the faithful

and the unfaithful in the church, Jesus instructed that both be

allowed to "grow together until the harvest; and at harvest

time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind

them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my

barn" (Matt. 13:30, RSV).

In His explanation of the parable, Jesus said, "The harvest

is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels" (Matt. 13:39,

RSV). The wheat represents the righteous who are taken to

heaven at Jesus' second coming. At that time the righteous

dead are raised and translated with the righteous living. (See

1 Thess. 4:16-18.)

What vivid description did John give of the destruction of

the wicked? Rev. 14:17-20.

"The figure of the two harvests is borrowed from the an-

cient Palestinian agricultural year, which consisted of two main

harvests, the grain harvest and the vintage. . . . Here the vin-

tage represents the wicked gathered for destruction."—SDA

Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p. 834.

Note the times stipulated by Revelation for the punishment

of the wicked: (1) the seven last plagues (Rev. 15:5-16:21); (2)

the second coming of Jesus (Rev. 19:17-21; (3) the end of the

1,000 years (Rev. 20:9, 10, 14). The living wicked are put to

death at the second coming of Jesus. They will not live again

until the end of the millennium, when they will be raised to

face the final judgment.

In presenting these truths, how can you explain that there

is no contradiction between the love and justice of God?

How can you harmonize God's punishment of unbelievers

with the truth of His infinite love for all? Would it be loving

for God to give the wicked eternal life?

Friday



March 25

FURTHER STUDY:

Study the spiritual characteristics of the

dragon (Revelation 12), the beast (Rev. 13:1-10), and the "false

prophet" (Rev. 13:11-18; 16:13; 19:20).

Read "God's Law Immutable," in

The Great Controversy,

pp.

433-450.

MY PLEDGE

Because I realize the command to "go ye therefore and

teach all nations" is a special invitation to me to share

with others the peace, joy, and love that I have found in

the Lord Jesus, I commit



(1-6 hours) each week to

do some kind of personal work for Him. As the Lord

gives me strength and health, and as circumstances al-

low, it is my determination to share the Lord Jesus with

others at every opportunity by: giving Bible studies



visiting the needy



; helping the poor



, widows



children



; telephoning



; letter writing



; giving

(or mailing) missionary literature



; praying for the lost



, for missionaries



, for church leaders



, for the

Global Mission program



; other



Name



Date



Place



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

List the positive aspects of the three angels' messages.

What do these messages instruct us to believe and do?

What do the three angels' messages imply in regard to

the mission of the church?

SUMMARY: The three angels' messages provide the heart of

the church's end-time proclamation to the world. The message

of the church is the rationale for its mission. Becasue Jesus will

soon return, we want all to have an opportunity to prepare for

that wonderful event. What a grand privilege God gives His

children, not only to know about these climactic events but to

share them with all people!

Lessons for Second Quarter, 1994

The adult Sabbath School lessons for the second quarter of

1994 deal with the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations.

Lesson 1: A Place in His Plan.

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY:

Jeremiah 1, 2.

MEMORY TEXT:

Jeremiah 1:7.

KEY QUESTIONS:

What divine attribute assures us that

events do not take God unawares?

OUTLINE:

Sunday: Jeremiah and His Times (Jer. 1:1, 2).

Monday: Call and Commission (Jer. 1:4, 5).

Tuesday: Two Visions (Jer. 1:11-16).

Wednesday: Revival and Reformation (2 Chron. 34:1-7).

Thursday: Living Fountain or Broken Cistern (Jer. 2:1-3:5).

Lesson 2: A Prophet's Pilgrimage.

READ FOR THIS WEEK'S STUDY:

Jeremiah 11:18-12:4;

14:7-9; 16:1-4; 36:1-32.

MEMORY TEXT:

Jeremiah 10:23.

KEY QUESTIONS:

How is a Christian's experience like a

journey? Why does it involve "unlearning," as well as

"learning"? How is a growing experience realized?

OUTLINE:

Sunday: Preparing the Prophet (Jer 1:1; 15:10).

Monday: The Sensitive Prophet (Jer. 14:7-9).

Tuesday: The Suffering Prophet (Jer. 11:18-23).

Wednesday: The Questioning Prophet (Jer. 20:14-18).

Thursday: The Writing Prophet (Jer. 36:1-3).

Lessons in Braille

The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free

each month in Braille and 16 2/3 rpm records to blind and

physically handicapped persons who cannot read normal ink

print. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, mul-

tiple sclerosis, paralysis, accident, old age, and so forth, cannot

hold or focus on normal ink-print publications. Contact the

Christian Record Services, Box 6097, Lincoln, NE 68506.

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